What Do You Need to Know Before You Visit Madame Tussauds in London?

History and arts meet in one of London’s prized museums, Madame Tussauds. For more than a century, the tourist destination featured wax figures of many celebrities. Even some film characters have their wax counterparts in the museum.

If you’re going on a London holiday with your family or friends, make sure to add the museum as one of your destinations. Don’t forget to book a reservation in a nearby hotel like the London House. By doing so, you can easily go to other tourist attractions like the RIBA Gallery, Wallace Collection, and Subway Gallery. The said hotel also ensures your privacy, security, and convenience away from home.

History

The legacy that was Madame Tussauds started with Marie Tussaud. In 1761, the would-be artist was born in Strasbourg, France. Growing up, she studied the art of wax modelling under Dr Philippe Curtius.

At 16, Miss Tussaud made her first wax figure which resembled Voltaire. Her early works also included wax figures of Benjamin Franklin and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

When her mentor died, she travelled across Europe to showcase her work. In 1802, Paul Philidor, a magic lantern pioneer, invited her for his show at the Lyceum Theater in London. The show turned out to be hit, prompting Miss Tussaud to make the city her new home.

She set up a home and a museum in the Baker Street area in 1835. Her museum was initially named The Baker Street Bazaar.

Upon her death in 1850, her sons managed the museum. In 1884, they also moved the museum to its current location in Marylebone Road. The said road is also home to several London hotels, shops and cafes.

Status

Over time, the place became known as Madame Tussaud’s museum of wax figures. It’s now simply called Madame Tussauds. Moreover, it’s no longer limited to the English capital. The museum brand extends to other parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, and Whitney Houston were among the artists who have wax figures in one or more of the Madame Tussauds museums. Prominent leaders like Barack Obama, Theresa May and Queen Elisabeth II also have theirs. In the sports world, the museum brand display wax figures of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt among others.

The museum brand has become a pop culture icon itself. It’s evident in the way it is revered in literature, films, TV shows, plays, and games. Many celebrities today also consider it an honour to have a wax figure in one of the museums.

Why Visit the Madame Tussauds in London?

Of all Madame Tussauds museums, visiting the oldest one with the oldest of all wax figures gives the best feeling. If you’re after a thrilling trip, get to see the museum’s Chamber of Horrors. More importantly, enjoy the great waxworks that resembled Queen Elizabeth II, Audrey Hepburn, Muhammad Ali, and even Darth Vader, King Kong, Spider-Man, and Iron Man.

Tips

A little preparation will go a long way for your Madame Tussauds visit. Even if you’re just in the city for the weekend, planning can help you make the most out of your time and money. Below are some tips to ensure a hassle-free trip:

1. Reserve accommodation in one of the hotels near Madame Tussauds

When choosing a hotel, pay attention to the distance to the places you want to visit. If it’s not within walking distance, make sure it’s near public transport.

The good news is that the museum is near many hotels. One of which is the London House hotel. The said hotel is just one taxi ride or one subway trip to Marylebone Road. Aside from its location, the hotel boasts a charming exterior and interior. It’s within a peaceful neighborhood as well.

2. Buy tickets online

Save time, effort, and even money by getting your tickets online. The standard ticket costs £33.50 online (updated Jul 2022, subjected to changes depending on the venue).

3. Avoid peak times

During weekends, it may even take two hours before you can get inside the museum. This makes buying online tickets more advantageous. If you have a hotel reservation near the museum, you may also avoid the long queues.

The museum usually opens either 9 or 10 in the morning. It closes at 4:00PM. To be sure, check the museum’s website because they may adjust opening hours every now and then.

In case you like to visit when it’s less crowded, going on weekdays will be your best option. Avoid a holiday visit as well. Aside from a crowded museum, this lets you avoid expensive hotel accommodations. It’s hard to find affordable accommodations during holidays due to the demand.