Walking around London, are you looking in every direction hoping to catch a glimpse of Ed Sheeran or Harry Styles hiding from the paparazzi? There’s one place where you’ll not only see them, but they certainly won’t refuse to take a picture with you.
Madame Tussauds Museum in London is a wax museum founded in 1835 by Marie Tussaud. After nearly 50 years of operation on Baker Street, limited space forced the owners to relocate. The opening of new galleries at the current location was a perfect move. The museum was an instant success and over time became one of the most popular and fascinating museums in the world.
Who was Madame Tussauds?
Everyone likely associates the name Madame Tussauds with wax figures. But who exactly was this so-called madame? Marie Grosholtz was born in 1761 in Strasbourg and at just 16 years old, she created her first wax figure, modeled after the famous writer and philosopher, Francois Voltaire. In 1795, Marie married French engineer François Tussaud, but seven years later, she left her husband and took her modest collection of figures on a tour of the British Isles, eventually settling there permanently.
Madame Tussauds Around the World
Marie Tussaud passed away in 1850, but her passion was continued by her grandchildren. The attraction was so immensely popular from the start that similar venues began opening across Europe and eventually worldwide. In 1972, the second European Madame Tussauds attraction opened in Amsterdam, in 1999 the first American wax museum in Las Vegas, and a year later, the first Asian attraction inspired by Tussauds’ work – in Hong Kong.
Currently, you can visit 24 museums around the world, all filled with wax replicas of movie stars and historical figures. And while you might encounter a few recurring characters from the global show business scene when visiting different locations, 90% of the figures are unique to each museum, making each exhibit a one-of-a-kind experience with new surprises.
Touring the Museum
At Madame Tussauds London, you’ll find over 150 realistic figures of politicians, artists, sports stars, musicians, and other globally famous personalities. Of course, taking photos with your favorite celebrities is highly encouraged. The wax figures are spread across three floors and divided into eight different zones, which will transport you to royal chambers, the red carpet, or even aboard the Millennium Falcon. Additionally, there are three special attractions available for guests, ensuring that no one leaves the tour feeling bored.
From the Red Carpet to the Global Music Stage
Cameras and phones ready! From the moment you step inside the museum, you won’t know who to take a selfie with first. One section will take you to a royal palace, allowing you to get closer to the royal family than ever before. You’ll come face-to-face with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and snap a photo with the Prince and Princess of Wales. Or perhaps you’d prefer a handshake with Barack Obama visiting Buckingham Palace?
Other scenes transport museum visitors to the fashion runway, where you’ll find Harry Styles and Zendaya, or straight to the award show red carpet. There, you’ll meet some of the biggest movie stars like Timothée Chalamet, Angelina Jolie, and Benedict Cumberbatch. On the music stage, you can sing alongside global legends, both classic ones like David Bowie, Bob Marley, and Freddie Mercury, as well as younger celebrities like Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande.
There’s also something for those who aren’t fans of film and music stars. In the Culture Capital zone, you’ll greet figures who helped spread British culture, such as Lewis Hamilton, William Shakespeare, and David Attenborough.
Into the World of Films
More unforgettable experiences await in museum sections dedicated to fictional characters. You can hang on the wall with Spiderman, face off against Hulk or Iron Man, and finally come face-to-face with Black Panther and other Marvel superheroes. Are you more of a Star Wars fan? No worries, the section dedicated to this iconic series will transport you from Marylebone to a galaxy far, far away. Specially crafted sets are home to likenesses of Master Yoda, R2-D2, Skywalker, and Darth Vader.
Chamber of Horrors
The attraction known as the Chamber of Horrors is nothing short of a return to its roots. This was the very collection that Marie Tussaud toured Britain with in 1818. Luckily, we too have the chance to see it, and in a form completely true to the founder’s original vision. What exactly does this exhibit showcase? It’s particularly appealing to crime enthusiasts, as its displays shed light on some of the darkest crime scenes in London over the past 150 years.
You’ll learn about the stories of infamous figures whose actions significantly impacted the social and criminal history of Britain. Among them is an extensive list of serial killers, such as Jack the Ripper, Ruth Ellis, Dennis Nilsen, and John Haigh. The Chamber of Horrors not only features the likenesses of criminals but also historical artifacts that help authentically tell some of the darkest stories of the capital. Some of them are truly chilling. The exhibit includes items such as the suit and shoes of John Haigh, known as the Acid Bath Murderer, and the baby carriage of Mary Eleanor Pearcey, in which she transported the bodies of her lover’s wife and child. I did warn you it would be grim…
Journey Through the Capital’s History
During the special “Spirit of London” ride, guests hop into one of the iconic black London taxis and travel back in time to explore the city’s past. This is the only chance to witness historical and cultural events that shaped London once again. The taxi, like a time machine, transports passengers to the Tudor era, through wartime London, and into the colorful 1980s. The simulation showcases St. Paul’s Cathedral rising from the ashes after the Great Fire and the bright lights of swinging Carnaby Street in the 1960s. This history lesson will stick with both older and younger visitors for a long time.
For the Biggest Marvel Fans
The wax representations of the most popular superheroes from this cinematic universe aren’t the only thing that will thrill die-hard fans of Captain America and Iron Man. The museum also features a special 4D cinema where the adventures of Thor, Rocket, and Spider-Man battling Loki to save the world are shown. With the unique special effects of this theater, you’ll feel the power of your favorite characters closer than ever before.
Before Visiting the Museum
Here’s what Madame Tussauds Museum offers when it comes to ticket options. The standard ticket grants you entry to the museum at your chosen time, along with access to all additional attractions. You can also opt for a much cheaper afternoon ticket, which offers the same experience but limits your visit to just one hour. If you’re more concerned about time than money while exploring London, the Fast Track ticket is a great choice—it gives you access to a special entrance and lets you skip the long queues. And most importantly, all of these tickets are best purchased online (you can find them on platforms like GetYourGuide), as online prices are much more competitive than those at the ticket window.
For those planning to explore all of London’s top attractions, the combined ticket option will be a big hit. It’s the most economical choice if, in addition to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, you’re also planning to visit the London Eye, take a cruise on the Thames, tour SEA LIFE London, or hop on the famous Big Bus sightseeing tour.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for Madame Tussauds Museum in London in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Address: Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR, United Kingdom
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
