Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum has been around for centuries but remains thoroughly modern. No expense has been spared to hire the finest modeling craftsmen to bring the figures to life.
It started in 18th century France when Madame Tussaud learned the unusual craft of modeling figures in wax to be used as death masks for people executed by guillotine. Among the wax heads she had to create were those of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. It is a precise art she had mastered - albeit macabre. The tradition has lived on to this day, but with an added sense of fun and entertainment.
In 1802, Madame Tussaud moved her practice from Paris to London. A museum was eventually opened in 1835. The first collection included figures from Madame Tussaud’s inheritance from her mentor Dr. Curtius.
Today you will see a large collection of very realistic famous figures - from world history to Hollywood celebrities. To add amusement, the museum has created theme collections.
The Chamber of Horrors continues the grisly tradition of displaying murders, bloody warlords and other figures you would classify as horrific. It also depicts a variety of modes of torture and execution. Be warned though, it is realistic enough to scare sensitive children.
The Garden Party features politicians both old and modern, movie celebrities, sports stars and others. For a focus on British history, there is The Grand Hall where you will see royalty and heads of state - from the famous to the not-so-known, yet interesting.
The Spirit of London is a taxi-ride reminiscent of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. But here you will ride through 400 years of English history. One highlight of the ride shows the sights and sounds of London during the time of Jack the Ripper. Get goosebumps as you bump into the old carver himself.
Madame Tussaud’s is a major London attraction so expect it to be crowded. You will have to wait your turn for a picture with anyone of the life-like figures - from The Hulk to Brad Pitt, Jack the Ripper or Princess Diana to Winston Churchill.
The ticket to London’s famous wax museum has an added bonus: it will also grant you free entry to the London Planetarium, recently renamed The Auditorium. Housed in the same building as Madame Tussaud’s, here you can get an impressive view of the sky as seen from London’s latitude and longitude. The current show has been cut down to only ten minutes. With the re-naming and other changes made to the planetarium, some think the future for this interesting attraction is uncertain. So catch it while you can.
The attractions are easily accessible via the tube (the London Underground subway system). Exit at the Baker Street tube stop, near Regent’s Park. Expect to wait in line outside and dodge elbows inside, where there is still often a wait of 20 minutes or more. It tends to be less crowded in the very early or late hours.
Other tours and destination available in London. Check these out.
While in London why not visit the Medieval Banquet where you can eat, drink and be merry in historic surroundings. Dine on a four course traditional English meal with unlimited wine and beer as minstrels, troupers and players entertain you with stories and song.
Who would believe traveling from London to Edinburgh on a one-day rail excursion was possible! Come along and enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh onboard an open top bus - walk down The Royal Mile, and visit the famous Edinburgh Castle.
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