The roots of London’s busiest attraction can be traced back to France. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum starts with the story of Marie Grosholtz, born in Strasbourg in 1761. Her mother worked as a governess for a Dr Curtins, who made anatomical wax models. From her earliest childhood, Marie learnt modelling techniques with Dr Curtins. Just before the French Revolution, she moved to Paris. Louis XV1 invited her to join the Royal Court at Versailles and teach her art. In 1795 she married an engineer by the name François Tussaud and thus she was known as Madame Tussaud.

Over the last 200 years, thousands of wax characters have been modelled. Tradition dictates that each celebrity has the right to a new backdrop. Five themed areas introduce visitors to today’s celebrities and yesterday’s personalities. Grand Hall brings together several of the world’s most outstanding people, including men and women who have influenced our lives such as kings and queens, statesmen, religious leaders, and artists. The Chamber of Horrors brings the history of crime and punishment to life through particularly realistic sound effects and visual effects. To this end, different scenes ranging from the French Revolution to Victorian London have been recreated. Hollywood Legends brings all-time great stars back to life.

Madame Tussaud’s is UK busiest attraction and houses one of the world’s largest collection of lifelike wax models of celebrities, politicians and other world famous people.
The Wax Museum hosts more than 2 million visitors annually. Its galleries showcase current celebrities, historic personages, and London through the ages. The “Chamber Live” highlights notorious killers, while “Bollywood for Beginners” focuses on India’s movie-making industry. Keep an eye out for politicians, athletes, and film stars – or at least their wax likenesses.

The visitor will encounter Henry VIII and his six wives, the present Queen and Royal family, leading figures of the French Revolution such as Robespierre and Marat, 20th century statesman including Churchill, Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, television and sporting personalities. Inside, you can see the same dusty royal family you already get too much of on television and other insignificant royals from times past. But there are other figures, too – everyone from Buddha to Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Goldie Hawn.
Opening Times: Weekdays : 9.30am – 5.30pm; Weekends : 9.00am – 6.00pm