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MADAME TUSSAUDS  |
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Madame Tussauds |
A famous collection of wax figures which is known worldwide |
Madame Tussaud's claims to be “London's most famous tourist attraction” - which might just be right as the museum's collection of wax figures is known worldwide. The franchise has established itself in numerous other global cities, including New York, Amsterdam, and Shanghai. London's branch, however, remains the original, and the most revered. |
It all began in the 18th century, when a famous wax sculptor called Philippe Curtius realised that his housekeeper's daughter had developed a passionate interest in his work. Her name was Marie Tussaud. He decided to teach her his skills, and this unlikely student soon flourished, eventually producing her own works in 1777. These first figures included Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Benjamin Franklin. By the time Curtius died in 1794, his pupil was a master of her craft. He left his entire collection of waxworks to her. |
Did you know? |
During the French Revolution, while she was learning her trade, Maria Tussaud would search numerous dead bodies, in order to find faces she wished to depict. |
By 1802, Marie was in Britain, travelling throughout the country to exhibit her impressive host of figures. Eventually, her hard work paid off, and Madame Tussaud's waxwork museum opened on Baker Street, London, in 1835. From there, the establishment simply grew and grew, surviving a major fire, and two world wars. It has since moved to Marylebone Road, and continues to delight hundreds of people, every single day. |
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The current collection of figures is far, far too long to list. It stretches back to depictions of famous faces from history's depths, such a William Shakespeare, and continues forward to include such 21st century characters as Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow. You can also expect to meet Kylie Minogue, Sean Connery, the Beatles – and there's even an unsettling encounter with Adolf Hitler. Other unusual new figures include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's child Shiloh – the first baby in the museum – and Daniel Radcliffe, who became the youngest ever actor to be featured. New waxworks are frequently being added, so there's always something new to see. |
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Photos Jack Sparrow by Kayte Thinks, Kylie Minogue by Sleepless in Somerset, Adolf Hitler. |
Did you know? |
Ever wondered what Madame Tussaud looked like? Well you can see for yourself – because eight years before her death, she created a wax self-portrait. It is on display at the entrance to her museum. |
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Madame Tussauds is open daily 9:30am to 5:30 pm. Entry costs around £23, concessions £19. |
 Baker Street |
