Madame Tussauds wax dolls. Wax figures of Madame Tussauds (22 photos)

Who among us has not dreamed of meeting a celebrity at least once in our lives? Ask for an autograph from the singer of your favorite band or take a photo with a popular actor? Interest in people who have achieved great success in creativity, sports or politics lives in each of us.
The beautiful and great delight and attract. However, just like the terrible and disgusting... But in real life Few people are lucky enough to be photographed hugging Hollywood beauties, shaking hands with the president, or fearlessly looking into the eyes of the most cruel and terrible maniacs. The exception is the lucky ones who visited Madame Tussauds in London! Or its branch in another city, although any branch is far from the main museum.

Madame Tussauds (French: “Madame Tussauds”) is the world’s most famous wax museum, founded by the sculptor Marie Tussauds and located in Marylebone, a prestigious area of ​​London. The museum has branches in 14 major cities in the world (New York, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Vienna, Berlin, etc.). The branch exhibitions number over a thousand wax sculptures of prominent politicians, film and pop stars, historical figures. But the most famous and interesting museum is Madame Tussauds in London. More than 2.5 million people visit it every year and that says a lot.

The history of Madame Tussauds began on that cold December day when, in 1761, in Strasbourg (France), a daughter named Maria was born into the family of an officer and a simple Swiss girl. The girl's father died in the war shortly before her birth, and soon Maria's mother moved with her and the rest of her children to another city - Bern. There she got a job as a housekeeper for Dr. Philip Wilhelm Curtius. The doctor had an unusual hobby - he made anatomically correct models of people from wax. As it turned out, the meeting of the old doctor and little Maria was fateful.
In 1765, Dr. Curtius moved to Paris. Two years later, Maria and her mother join him. The mother continues to work as a housekeeper, and little Maria begins to learn the art of creating wax sculptures. Even then, in childhood, she showed a deep interest and talent for recreating accurate images people made of wax. The doctor, seeing her as a diligent student, willingly shares the secrets of his skill with the girl.

In Paris, Curtius decides to show his work to the general public. The first exhibition took place in 1770 and had resounding success. Wax copies real people, among whom was, for example, Madame DuBarry (the favorite of King Louis XV), were to the taste of the Parisians.

In those years, Maria also worked on creating her own sculptures, which would later be included in the exhibits of Madame Tussauds in London. Among others were wax figures of Voltaire (her first sculpture), Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Benjamin Franklin.
Meanwhile, Phillip Curtius continues to organize exhibitions in Paris. Among them, especially noteworthy is the one that took place in 1782 on the Boulevard du Temple. Shocked spectators saw shockingly life-like wax sculptures of famous murderers and executed criminals. It was this exhibition that became the prototype of the Chamber of Horrors, for which Madame Tussauds in London is so famous.

Meanwhile, the streets of Paris are becoming restless - a revolution is approaching. In 1789, rioting rebels, shouting and cursing, carried wax figures of hated politicians made by Maria through the streets. With the change of power, Maria is arrested and imprisoned, where she meets Josephine Beauharnais, the future wife of Napoleon. Maria was saved from the guillotine only by the fact that after the death of one of the leaders of the revolution, Robespierre, she was invited to make death masks for him and his killer.
After her release, Maria returns to the workshop of Dr. Curtius, who by that time had already died, but managed to bequeath his collection to his student. In 1802, Maria marries engineer François Tussaud and becomes Madame Tussaud. The collection of figures of Mary herself continues to grow, and so does her popularity. But her husband starts drinking and losing his fortune at cards, so Maria leaves him and, taking her eldest son and her collection, moves to the UK.

In 1835, the first exhibition of wax figures opened on the famous Baker Street in London. From this moment, the history of Madame Tussauds in London begins, she lived to be 88 years old, having managed to create many more amazing sculptures during her life.

Today, Madame Tussauds is located in one of the most prosperous and prestigious areas of London - Marylebone, on Marylebone Road. This is north of Westminster, not too far from Trafalgar Square.

The museum displays more than 400 wax sculptures depicting famous people the most different eras. Each sculpture is made so accurately and carefully that at first it’s hard to believe that these are not real people made of flesh and blood, but their wax copies! Therefore, it is not surprising that the production of just one figure takes up to 6 months, and its cost is $50,000.

Entering the museum, visitors see... no, not a famous politician or actor. They are greeted by the figure of a small elderly woman. She's wearing black dress and a snow-white cap. The eyes on a round, good-natured face look through the glasses attentively and affably. This is a wax sculpture of Madame Tussauds herself - an amazing woman, the owner of this extraordinary place.
Walking through the halls of Madame Tussauds in London, visitors will see almost all more or less famous people of history and modernity.

Music lovers can admire legendary group The Beatles, imposingly lounging on a velvet sofa, or the shocking Michael Jackson. Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn are just like alive, hundreds of times more real than on the screen.

Some particularly significant historical figures are given special attention increased attention. Napoleon Bonaparte, whose wife Madame Tussaud knew, was given two entire halls. There, in addition to the figure of the great conqueror himself, you can see his personal belongings, such as the commander’s camp bed.

A separate exhibition at Madame Tussauds in London is dedicated to the British royal family. Here are Elizabeth II, Princess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, and Princes of the British Crown William and Harry. Of course, there is also a masterfully executed figure of Princess Diana.

Cultural figures and people of science are not forgotten. You can recognize Albert Einstein from afar by his famous hairstyle. You can also “get to know” Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Oscar Wilde.
You can freely take pictures with all the exhibits (hugging and touching the figures is not prohibited!

This is a great opportunity to become the owner general photo With famous politicians(Barack Obama, George Bush, Vladimir Putin), pop and film stars (Madonna, Britney Spears, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise), or outstanding athletes(David Beckham, Eli Manning). Or perhaps someone would prefer a photo with supermodel and actress Kate Moss, or the notorious socialite Paris Hilton.

A special part of Madame Tussauds in London, its creepy “dungeons”, is the Chamber of Horrors. The same one, the prototype and source of ideas for which was the Cabinet of Horrors of Dr. Curtius, Madame Tussaud’s teacher.
The chamber of horrors fully lives up to its name and can make a very strong impression. Therefore, heart patients, pregnant women and small children are not allowed there. And then you never know...

Those brave souls who decide to visit the Chamber of Horrors, filled with alarming dim light, will see the dark underside English history. Wax figures of the most famous English thieves, murderers and traitors are collected here. A chilling thrill is evoked by Jack the Ripper, a serial killer who operated on the streets of London in the 19th century and was never caught.
Completes gloomy picture atmospheric sound background: the screams of tortured people, pleas for help, the crunch of bones being ground on the rack. Add the costumed performances of made-up actors suddenly jumping out from around the corner, and you will probably agree that children and people with weak hearts really should not be allowed here!
And although you understand with your mind that the Chamber of Horrors is an ordinary, albeit the most terrible exhibition, when you are in it, it is difficult to get rid of the impression that someone’s evil and merciless gaze is watching you. In the end, it’s surprising but true that when one day there was a fire at Madame Tussauds (in 1925), in which almost all the wax figures died, the fire for some reason did not affect the Chamber of Horrors...

Madame Tussauds London continues to develop rapidly. The collection of wax figures is continuously updated with realistic copies famous personalities. The administration zealously ensures that Madame Tussauds presents wax doubles of all the most popular (or notorious) present moment the time of politicians, actors, singers, athletes, showmen and musicians.
Madame Tussauds in London keeps up with new products technical progress. To make the exhibitions more exciting and dynamic, the most advanced computer technologies and achievements of modern chemistry are used.
In order to ensure greater verisimilitude, special plastic is now used in the manufacture of figures that imitates nails and eyes, as well as artificial leather. In addition, to recreate the spirit of the era to which the wax sculpture belongs, costumes of that time, scenery, and sound effects are widely used.

Moreover, the wax figures themselves can now move and speak! They even react in a certain way to the behavior of visitors. For example, Jennifer Lopez's figure turns red when people unceremoniously stare at her “prominent” part of the body.
Of particular note is the Spirit of London attraction at the end of the tour of Madame Tussauds. This is an exciting journey through medieval London! Visitors are seated in miniature London taxis, which take them through halls where the past comes to life. Moreover, it literally “comes to life” - the characters greet guests passing by, wave their hands, and the military salutes. The trip ends in the Chamber of Horrors, which was described above.
Describing all the wonders of Madame Tussauds in London is an impossible task. It is hardly possible to convey in words and photographs all the impressions of this amazing “kingdom of doubles.” One thing is certain - among the attractions of London there are few places as unusual and fascinating as Madame Tussauds.

Wax figures Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI

...And they also say that the British have no sense of humor!
See how fun they are getting ready to celebrate Christmas at Madame Tussauds London.
The entire royal family was dressed in cheerful New Year's sweaters. Moreover, one must assume that the royal family is aware and is not at all offended.
The coolest sweaters on the Queen Mother and Prince Harry, the Queen chose the image of her favorite breed of corgi dog. Corgis, by the way, are also present in the photo, and also in cheerful colorful clothes.
The couple, Prince William and his wife Catherine, were dressed in the same sweater, which is symbolic.
The most boring outfit is Camilla, the wife of Prince Charles, and he, in turn, has the most ridiculous outfit.
Actually, these outfits express the attitude towards members of the royal family - either museum workers, or the entire nation as a whole.

Original message

Madame Tussauds in London should certainly be included in the list of the most famous and interesting collections of attractions. There are few people in the world who have never heard of an amazing collection of wax figures. Well, those people who happened to visit the capital of Great Britain probably did not forget about this famous landmark of London and visited it.

History of creation

The founder of the museum was born into a military family named Grosholtz. The family lived in the city of Strasbourg, but after the death of the head of the family, which happened even before birth in youngest daughter Maria (in 1761), a widowed mother and children moved to Bern. There the woman took up the position of housekeeper in the house of Dr. Curtis. At this time, the doctor decided to end his medical practice in order to do his favorite thing - creating naturalistic figures cast from wax.

In 1767, Doctor Curtis and Mary's family moved to the capital of France. From a very young age, the girl begins to comprehend the difficult art of creating wax figures, since the doctor is extremely kind to Maria and spares no time in teaching her.

At that time, creating wax figures was a lucrative business, because there was not even a movie yet, so the only opportunity for many people to see what a celebrity looked like was to visit wax figure exhibitions.

After some time, Maria Grosholz received an invitation from the king’s sister Elizabeth to come to Versailles, where the girl spent 9 years. She was able to complete her education and gain useful work skills by creating wax copies of the king's relatives.

During the “revolutionary” purges that began in 1789, Maria, as a person close to the royal family, was imprisoned. There she met Madame de Beauharnais, who later became the wife of Emperor Bonaparte. Maria miraculously escaped execution, since the new authorities needed to create a wax copy of the murdered Robespierre, and the best master there was no way to find one to do this job.

After Napoleon came to power, things improved for Maria. Her mentor, Dr. Curtis, had died by that time, and she independently and quite successfully conducts the work. After some time, Maria gets married and takes her husband's surname, becoming Madame Tussauds. True, the marriage was not very successful, and Maria, along with her two sons, leaves her husband for London. There, the family organizes a traveling exhibition, showing different cities figures of celebrities made of wax.

When Maria turned 74, a permanent exhibition was opened. The first museum building in London was located on Baker Street. After the death of Maria, who lived to be almost 90 years old, the work of creating wax copies of famous people was continued by her sons and grandchildren. In 1884, the exhibition was moved to a new building located on Marylebone Road, where the museum remains today. Although today the museum is no longer run by Mary’s descendants.

It must be said that in the history of the museum there were many tragic villages. So in 1925 there was a severe fire that destroyed most of collections. But the exposition was restored according to the surviving forms. Another serious incident occurred during a Nazi air raid on London. An aircraft bomb hit the building, destroying a significant part of the exhibits, which then had to be painstakingly restored.

Modern everyday life

And today, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London is one of the most visited museums in the world. Every year it receives about 2.5 million visitors. Visiting a museum is not a simple visual experience; visitors will learn about the exhibits on display interesting facts You are allowed to touch their biographies and figures and take pictures with them.

Every day until the museum opens, eight specialists inspect the exhibition. Each specialist performs certain part maintenance of exhibits. One is responsible for the hairstyle of the exhibited figures, another corrects makeup as necessary, the third is responsible for costumes, etc.

Modern craftsmen spend about six months making one figure; the cost of each exhibit is approximately 50 thousand dollars. About two dozen new figures are created per year. To achieve an ideal resemblance to living people, several dozen photographs of the face and body are taken in different projections.

The modern exhibition consists of 400 sculptures depicting famous historical figures and modern celebrities. But the first figure that visitors see is an elderly lady in a snow-white cap, this is an image of the founder of the museum, that is, Madame Tussauds herself.

Then, walking through the halls, you can see copies of famous personalities. Even the photographs of the exhibits show that the images are frighteningly realistic. When viewed “live” the impressions are even stronger.

You can see a variety of celebrities in the exhibition. Here and famous musicians, and actors, and politicians. Some characters receive special attention. For example, Napoleon and his wife were allocated two halls, in which, in addition to figures of historical figures, some personal belongings belonging to the emperor's family are presented.

In a separate room there is an exhibition dedicated to the royal family. There are figures of the current Queen Elizabeth and young princes - William with his charming wife Kate and Harry.

Cultural and scientific figures are not left without attention. Moreover, visitors are invited to “compete” with celebrities. For example, you can take an interactive test to compare your IQ score with Albert Einstein's or find out who has more creative thinking - the visitor or Picasso.

The museum not only displays figures of real people; there are special rooms where you can look at famous literary and film characters. Children and adults will be interested in seeing Jack Sparrow, shaking hands with Shrek or taking a photo with Spider-Man.

When creating figures for exhibitions, craftsmen use all the achievements of scientific and technological progress. Some figures may move or engage in conversation with visitors.

Attraction "Spirit of London"

An interesting and funny attraction, which is very popular among visitors, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval London. Museum guests are offered accommodation in small cabins and are transported through the halls, in which the atmosphere of “old” London is meticulously recreated. Moreover, the characters that visitors will meet are by no means static. The townspeople will wave their hands welcomingly to the guests, and the military personnel will salute.

Famous Chamber of Horrors

Speaking about the museum, one cannot fail to mention the famous chamber of horrors. This section of the museum is of particular interest to visitors, because it contains figures of the bloodiest and most terrible villains from the history of mankind. To visit the horror room you need to have strong nerves, so children, pregnant women and people suffering from heart disease are not allowed there.

In the room you can see terrifying scenes from medieval torture dungeons. And since visiting the halls is accompanied by special audio effects that simulate the screams of people during torture, the impression of the excursion will be extremely strong. Groups of made-up actors who suddenly appear in the halls also take part in the excursions. It must be said that all this can be very frightening, so people who are not confident in the stability of their nervous system It is better to refuse such an excursion.

Of course, describing all the exhibits and talking about all the attractions of the famous London museum is an impossible task. And no one will be able to convey in words and photographs the impressions that are born when visiting a unique collection of celebrity figures. That is why Tussauds remains one of the most visited and beloved places in London by tourists.

How to get there?

It remains to tell where it is famous museum. The exact address of this attraction is London, Marylebone Rd, NW1 5LR. You can get there by subway to Baker Street station or by bus routes 274, 74, 113, 82.

Finding the right place is not difficult; the photo of the building shows that it has an unusual domed roof and stands out from the background of other buildings.

On weekdays, the exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On weekends the museum opens half an hour earlier, and on holidays it closes half an hour later.

The total cost of a ticket to visit the exhibition is 30 euros for an adult and 25 for a child. But, if you purchase tickets online on the museum’s website, you can save from 10 to 25%. On the museum’s website you can buy a complex ticket, which allows you to purchase several famous London attractions at once; such a “wholesale” purchase allows you to save a significant amount.

Madame Tussauds has branches located in 14 different cities around the world, so you can see the famous wax figures not only in London.

Probably, Madame Tussauds is known to each of us. The main exhibition of the museum is located in London, and there are branches in almost all European capitals, and even in China and the American continent: in Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Berlin, Amsterdam and most major cities USA. Back in the 19th century, the museum hospitably opened its doors, but even today it enjoys enormous popularity, to the envy of its competitors. Everyone has at least heard or even dreams of visiting and seeing with their own eyes the Madame Tussauds wax museum, but few people were interested in who and when it was founded, as well as the biography of this unique woman.

Brief biographical information

In December 1761, in the German town of Strasbourg, a daughter, Maria, was born into the family of the executioner Johann-Joseph Grosholz and Anna. Just 2 months earlier, Johann died in the war. But his wife Anna was not at all upset about this, since from her youth she had been in love with the young and talented doctor and sculptor Philip Wilhelm Curtius.

Having lost her husband, Anna and her little daughter go to find their happiness in Bern, where she gets a job as a housekeeper for her lover. Curtius, by the way, along with medical practice, successfully taught, and for clarity, he personally prepared teaching aids internal organs from wax. And given the doctor’s more than modest salary and Curtius’ natural talent, he also earned extra money by making wax busts of people and decorating them with wardrobe items.

In 1763, Philip Curtius moved to Paris with Anna and 6-year-old Marie. His father's affection for Marie pushed Philip into long-term regular classes with the girl: first he trained her memory by giving her tasks to draw people whom they accidentally met on the street, and then he began to involve the girl in making wax figures in his medical workshop. It was in those distant years that the foundations were laid for the creation wax museum Madame Tussauds.

In 1771, Curtius gained fame by exhibiting sculptures of the newlyweds Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in his exhibition hall. It was Mary's stepfather, Philip Curtius, who invented the idea of ​​​​creating wax doubles of celebrities, which was later implemented by Tussaud. Even Louis XVI was among the museum's regulars. Maria in those days only sold tickets at the entrance.

The creative path of Maria Grosholz

And by the age of 16, the girl knew how to independently make full-fledged figures. The first was the statue of Francois Voltaire, who, by the way, soon died. Today this very first figure of Mary occupies a place of honor in Madame Tussauds in London.

At the age of 19, the girl moved to Versailles at the invitation of Louis to teach his sister Elizabeth her skills. Just 9 months later, Marie, along with members of the dynasty, found herself in the Bastille. For several months, Marie was in a cell with the notorious Josephine, Napoleon's wife in the future. Having been freed from the Bastille, the girl was not at a loss and, despite the obvious decline in the interest of French society in the museum, turned to the main revolutionary Robespierre with a proposal to create his figure for the museum. Other famous revolutionaries followed his example. Among others, the creation of a wax composition that immortalized the death of the main revolutionary Marat at the hands of Charlotte Corday was significant. By the way, Maria also met Charlotte during her ill-fated imprisonment in the Bastille.

Then Maria, as if instinctively, returned to her father’s trade - she began to collaborate with the executioners, who gave her the heads of the victims. Maria removed their death masks and exhibited them in the museum. One of the most popular was the composition “Death of a Titan,” depicting the death of Robespierre.

How Madame Tussauds' wax museum was created

As already mentioned, the museum was started by Philip Curtius, the stepfather of Maria Grosholtz (Tussaud's married life). In 1794, Maria inherited the museum due to the death of Philip and continued its brilliant development. A year later, the girl marries Francois, a successful engineer, and takes his surname Tussaud. With a difference of 2 years, the couple gave birth to two sons. The woman’s career began to decline when Josephine invited her to her place with a request to create a figure of Napoleon.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Maria separated from her husband and left for England. Thus the connection between the great woman sculptor and brilliant France is severed.

For some time Marie travels around England, tirelessly continuing to work on the collection. Madame Tussauds, whose sculptures were mainly displayed historical figures France, replenished with new faces - Richard I, Cromwell, Henry VII stood in line with others. Here Marie was helped by her old connections with the French executioners. In 1804, during a trip to Liverpool, the museum suffered a sad fate - the ship was wrecked and all the figures sank. But Maria, with her characteristic tenacity, working around the clock, restored all the lost figures using backup casts.

Over time, the grown-up children actively joined the ranks of the family “business”. The museum's collection includes heirs to thrones and even Queen Victoria herself. After this, almost immediately Madame Tussauds in London became one of the most famous attractions in Great Britain. Yes, however, the museum generously shared its fame with the brilliant owner of the “dolls”, giving her the title of one of the most famous and successful women all over the world.

On the laurels of glory

Until 1835, Maria toured with the museum throughout England and beyond, and then settled in her mansion in London. Even old age could not moderate the creative fervor of this truly amazing woman - until the age of 81, she continued to actively work on creating exhibits. By the way, the last figure was a self-portrait of Maria. Immediately before her death, Maria became interested in creating cartoons.

The recent history of Madame Tussauds wax museum

It is well known that in order to be immortalized at Tussauds, you need to be a truly outstanding personality. And only one person in all of history refused to create her own figure - Mother Teresa. To date, the London exhibition includes over 1000 exhibits.

• At the end of the 19th century, the museum’s collection contained only about a hundred figures, all of which were stored for 2 to 3 years and then fell into disrepair. And only the sons of Tussaud invented the method of “preserving” the figures so that the wax did not deteriorate.
• If at first the museum exhibited mainly politicians, now their ranks have been supplemented by actors and singers, scientists and TV presenters, and even porn actresses!
• Some of the figures presented in the exhibition can make simple movements and even talk!
• The current value of the museum is about $2 billion.
• Children under 9 years old are not allowed into the museum.
• Some figures can not only move and speak, but even blush from the immodest glances of visitors (such as Jennifer Lopez)!

Wax figures: what else?

In addition to thousands of wax figures of celebrities from different genres, eras and nations, in the halls of the museum you can also visit the chamber of horrors, and even go on a unique taxi journey through the centuries.

How to get to Madame Tussauds in London?

It couldn't be easier! It is enough to become a sports legend, a world political leader, a pop star. international scale... Or fly to the capital of Great Britain and go to the Baker Street metro station (yes, after Tussauds, you can visit Sherlock Holmes!), and the desired museum is located a 2-minute walk on Marylebone.

Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam

There are 40 wax museum branches around the world, and the very first of them (of course, after the London office) was opened in Amsterdam. It features figures of sports stars such as David Beckham, Ronaldinho and Rafael van der Vaart. In the hall dedicated to members of the royal family, you will feel at least like a royal person - such an atmosphere of luxury reigns here. And in the hall of culture and art you will have a unique opportunity to take pictures with Picasso, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. And at the same time, get inspired and create your own masterpiece. But the most popular, especially among young people, is the hall of showbiz stars - here you will meet J. Lo, Brad Pitt, Beyoncé and even George Clooney. Those who are particularly inventive can even lie down on the sofa next to Robbie Williams!

The Tussauds Museum opened in Berlin is unique in its liveliness and realism. Firstly, there are as many as 7 thematic exhibition halls. And secondly, here you can not only look at sculptures skillfully created from wax, or take pictures with them, but also directly participate in the exhibitions! You can take a moonwalk lesson from the King of Pop Michael Jackson, sing karaoke or create your own photo in the pop art style of Andy Warhol. And finally, you can even go behind the scenes and see with your own eyes how delicate the craft is in creating masterpieces from wax. And as a surprise, you can order a wax print of your palm or even a bust from the museum.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum boasts the number of exhibits, the number of branches around the world, the number of visitors, but, unfortunately, the number of fakes. At Tussauds, the figures are so striking in their realism that sometimes you get the feeling that you really are in 19th-century Britain, surrounded by French revolutionaries and Napoleon Bonaparte himself.

Madame Tussauds is named after its founder, Marie Tussauds. However, her interest in sculpture began in her childhood, when she bore the maiden name Anna Maria Grosholz. It was she who stood at the origins of the creation of wax figures. And her business still lives and is very popular all over the world.

The story of an extraordinary sculptor

Maria's mother served in the house of Dr. Philip Curtius, who, in addition to healing, was interested in anatomy and was engaged in the creation of anatomical models, and soon began to create various wax sculptures to order. Little Maria often ran into his workshop and watched his work - it was then that Curtius began to teach her the skill of creating wax figures.

At the age of seventeen, Maria created her first sculpture - and it was a sculpture of Voltaire himself. The great philosopher died a few months after the modeling session, so his wax bust, displayed in the window of Curtius’s shop, greatly attracted buyers and helped the family establish a business.

Maria became Curtius's assistant - she managed his affairs, helped with organizing exhibitions and continued to make sculptures. He appreciated both the help and the girl’s talent for sculptural art, and therefore subsequently bequeathed all his works to her.

Maria Grosholz became famous for her wax figures of famous figures, so much so that she was once invited to model sculptures of members of the royal family themselves. At the time of arrival french revolution Maria was sentenced to death, but her chance to escape was the creation death masks from murdered royals and taking casts of revolutionary leaders such as Robespierre, Marat and others.

A few years later, Marie married Francois Tussaud, a French engineer, and gave birth to two sons, Joseph and Francois. She continued to sculpt and create wax figures of famous people. But one day, having left her husband who became drunk, she and her children went on a trip to the islands of Britain and along the way continued to create sculptures of famous historical figures and British politicians.

This is how the first Madame Tussauds museum appeared, which at that time was a traveling exhibition - Maria took it with her during her travels.

Soon she finally moved to the British capital. So in 1835, the same Madame Tussauds museum appeared in London, and it was originally located on the famous street called Baker Street.

Fifteen years after the opening of the museum in London, Madame Tussaud passed away, but her business did not disappear thanks to her sons and grandchildren. The museum soon moved to a more prestigious area of ​​the capital, on Marylebone Road. And even despite the fact that half a century after the move, Madame Tussauds lost most of the sculptures due to a fire, they were restored thanks to the surviving dummies.

The same famous Madame Tussauds wax museum that people mostly mean is still located in London. The museum's exhibition usually includes about four hundred wax figures.

The popularity of this place is so great that every time in front of the entrance there are huge queues of people wanting to see the creations of the Tussauds dynasty. Many of the sculptures housed in the museum were made by the hands of Mary. By the way, the wax figure of Madame Tussauds is the very first sculpture that greets viewers who enter the museum building. Its author is Madame Tussaud herself, who decided to create her own self-portrait during her lifetime.

All exhibits in the collection are divided into thematic rooms. “World Arena” is the name of the largest of these halls, which houses wax figures of famous personalities from the field of history, culture and politics from different centuries.

Visitors will also see figures from the royal family there, including Prince William, his wife Kate Middleton, brother Harry and others. Politicians of the 20th and 21st centuries are also collected here: visitors will see Indira Gandhi, Barack Obama, and many other political figures.

Separate rooms are dedicated to sports stars, musical world, Hollywood and even Indian Bollywood. Visitors are simply blindsided by so many star twins: from Freddie Mercury and Jimi Hendrix to Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera, from Harrison Ford and Arnold Schwarzenegger to Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston.

A separate room is dedicated to the most terrible historical events: famous maniacs, serial killers and their victims, instruments of torture and other thematic exhibits are housed there - fortunately it’s all made of wax. Unstable psyche, pregnancy and age under twelve years are restrictions for visiting this room of panic.

At least main museum Madame Tussauds is located in London, as is the workshop where each figure is created, and nineteen branches of the museum have been created in nineteen cities around the world. The most famous and interesting branches of Tussauds opened in Berlin, New York and Amsterdam. Each of them contains unique sculptures, but celebrities may be repeated.

Madame Tussauds gives celebrities immortality in the form of wax figures, but some even experience a kind of regeneration. If a celebrity gets a tattoo or changes his hairstyle, then the artists can add or change this to an existing sculpture, introducing new elements, but most often the wax figure of the celebrity is completely created anew.

This is due to the fact that, unlike wax sculptures, living people tend to change over time or due to plastic surgery. For example, the figure of singer Kylie Minogue changed four times, and the wax figure of Michael Jackson, according to known reasons- thirteen times.

How wax figures are created

All visitors who come to Madame Tussauds wax museum are struck by the resemblance of the sculptures to celebrities. In particularly successful cases, the celebrity in the photo cannot be distinguished from a wax double. But not everyone knows what is behind the creation of wax figures in the museum.

• Each wax sculpture takes a huge amount of time to make, about three to four months, as the craftsmen carefully work out even the smallest details. About two hundred of these figures are produced annually.

• First, measurements are taken from the face and body of the person for whom they want to make a wax figure. Celebrities have to spend a lot of time in the workshop so that the sculptor collects all the necessary information: what skin and eye color his model has, hairstyle, hair color and shape, does she have moles, scars, tattoos, etc. And in the case when there is no one left alive, the modeling masters have to be guided only by photographs.

• After the measurements are taken, you need to fix the pose of the future sculpture. For this, a metal frame is used: the lower part of the figure is formed from hard metal, and the upper part from soft metal.

• Based on the measurements, a clay model of the model is compiled - it must exactly match its real appearance. The frame is then formed using these clay casts.

• After this, it’s time for beeswax - they pour it into wet clay and wait for the figure to harden, which takes about 170 hours. After this, the sculpture is polished, if necessary, and minor imperfections are removed.

• Madame Tussauds takes a realistic approach to all the details, so the wax figures do not wear wigs - natural hair is attached to the “skin” of the sculpture’s head, strand by strand. After this, the hairstyle is formed. Working on your hair can take more than a month.

• Next comes the turn of the teeth and eyes: acrylic rubber is used to make them.

• The skin color and “makeup” of the sculpture are created using oil paints.

• The celebrities themselves usually give their own clothes and accessories to the wax figure.

The safety of each figure is monitored very carefully: the sculptures are checked before and after each exhibition day. At the same time, visitors, for example, are not prohibited from hugging the wax double to take a photo.

If you wanted to see with your own eyes what one of the most unusual museums in the world looks like - Madame Tussauds wax museum in London, then watch the following video, in which you can walk through the halls of the museum together with the author of the video:

London, like any world capital with ancient history, rich in attractions. Here is the famous Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Hyde Park, where the tale of Peter Pan takes place. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is as much a symbol of London as Big Ben, but with one difference: it is a landmark with human face. More precisely, with a thousand faces - that’s exactly how many figures the museum’s collection currently has.

The museum's annual attendance is 2.5 million people. This figure is recognition of the merits of Marie Tussaud, who two centuries ago laid the foundation for a great work, interest in which does not fade to this day.

Marie Tussaud (nee Grossholtz) was born in Strasbourg in 1761. The future founder of the museum studied the craft artistic modeling from wax from Dr. Philip Curtis, for whom Mary's mother worked as a housekeeper. The girl turned out to be a very capable student and at the age of 16 she made her first figure - Voltaire himself. Her next works were Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Benjamin Franklin.

For 30 years, Maria helped her teacher organize exhibitions and conduct business. Curtis deservedly appreciated such devotion, and after his death in 1794, the entire collection of the doctor’s works was given to Mary. Forced to leave her homeland due to the next Anglo-French war, in 1802 Marie Tussaud moved to London.

For several decades, the collection of wax figures was traveling exhibition, with which Tussaud traveled around English cities and towns. And so in 1835, at the insistence of her sons, she decided to give her congregation a permanent home.

Initially, the museum was located on the famous Baker Street, and the number of exhibited characters did not exceed 30.

The main difficulty was ensuring the safety of the figures, because after several years the quality of the wax decreased and they lost their realism.

Therefore, the first priority of the sons of Madame Tussaud, who passed away in her sleep in 1850, was to invent a way to increase the lifespan of wax exhibits. This method was found and patented, and in 1884, when it became clear that Marie Tussaud’s case was destined to live on for centuries, the museum moved to a new location, where it remains to this day.

The descendants of Madame Tussaud turned out to be worthy successors to the work of their great-grandmother. The museum survived a devastating fire in 1925 and a complete restoration from ruins after the German bombing in 1941, but each time the great-grandchildren of Marie Tussaud restored the collection. Over the two centuries of its history, the museum has grown significantly - its branches have opened in 19 cities around the world - but at all times it has remained a family affair.

Collection of Tussauds Museum in London

The first thing anyone who wants to visit Tussauds London will have to face is a huge queue, and it seems that it is impossible to get to the end of it. However, it moves quite quickly, and after 40 minutes you can purchase a ticket at the box office.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by Madame Tussaud herself. Or rather, a self-portrait figure made by her with her own hands during her lifetime. This work opens the museum's collection, which is housed in several thematic rooms.

It will take more than one hour to examine all the exhibits, and the most common recommendation from experienced travelers to those who are just planning to visit the wax museum is that the camera should be fully charged.

Inside, the museum is a gallery of halls where characters are collected, united by the same theme. The largest of them is called "World Arena". Here are the figures of political and cultural figures from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The oldest exhibits keep the warmth of the hands of Madame Tussaud herself - they were made by the founder of the museum. Among the figures of Admiral Nelson and Walter Scott are moving casts of Louis XV and his mistress Madame de Bergey, while Oscar Wilde is accompanied by Shakespeare. The royal couple, Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry, are also present here. The crowned dynasty has recently been replenished with the figure of the Duchess of Cambridge - Kate Middleton.

The other part of this hall is dedicated to the most important political and religious figures of history.

Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, Indira Gandhi, Nicolas Sarkozy and other outstanding politicians of different times found refuge in the so-called Oval Office.

Around Barack Obama, the atmosphere of the real Oval Office in the White House has been recreated, and to his left, Vladimir Putin remains unchanged. In this hall, each visitor has a unique opportunity to shake hands with the world leader or express his opinion about his actions.

Another part of the World Arena exposition is dedicated to music. Here Christina Aguilera poses flirtatiously, looking incredulously Justin Timberlake, and Placido Domingo stood to the side. Of course, there was a stage in this hall.

It brought together musical legends, living and deceased. Robbie Williams and Beyonce, Jimi Hendrix and Freddie Mercury froze in anticipation of applause. The Liverpool four, the Beatles, sat on a sofa at a distance.

The second hall of the museum is called “Premiere Night”. It contains figures of Hollywood stars. Under the huge Hollywood sign are Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, Jim Carrey and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator.

In a separate corner stood the stars of the Indian “Dream Factory” - Bollywood. It is noteworthy that Madame Tussauds recognizes not only real actors as stars, but also drawn ones, such as Shrek, Hulk and Spider-Man.

By the way, Marvel comics characters have become the heroes of a recent museum innovation that children really like - the 4D show includes a 10-minute 3D film, and wind, splashes and moving chairs add to the sensations for the audience.

The next hall, called “A List Party,” accommodates world celebrities. George Clooney sat at a separate table next to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who, in turn, were adjacent to the Beckhams.

Also in this room you can shake hands with Leonardo DiCaprio, take a photo with Robert Pattinson and look at J.Lo’s famous curves from all sides.

Thrill-seekers will also find something to their liking in the museum.

Probably the most famous hall The museum is called the “Chamber of Horror,” and its exhibits illustrate the darkest and bloodiest pages of history.

Here you can find complete collection severed heads of the wives of Henry the Eighth, figures of the most famous maniacs and murderers, as well as weapons medieval torture. The incredible sensations are enhanced by the museum staff, who in dark clothes jump out of the darkness and grab visitors by the hands.

An excursion to this hall is usually accompanied by a woman's squeal. For those who like it, there is the opportunity to spend the whole night here for an additional fee (£100). They say there are enough people willing.

Another feature of the Tussauds London Museum is the opportunity to study the history of the English capital by riding in a mobile trailer through the exhibition with views of London from its origins to the present time.

Interesting facts and features of Madame Tussauds

The unanimous opinion of those who were lucky enough to visit Madame Tussauds is: “This is incredible! They look real!” And indeed, by looking at a photo where a celebrity is standing next to his wax double, it is not always possible to accurately detect a fake. This result is the merit of a whole team of craftsmen, in whose hands shapeless wax takes on human characteristics.

First of all, careful measurements are taken. If the person from whom the cast is made is alive, he will have to spend several hours with the sculptor, who will take about 500 measurements from him. Not the most pleasant experience, but world celebrities do not complain, considering it an honor to be captured in wax. If the prototype of the future figure has died, the sculptor works exclusively from photographs.

The next stage is choosing a pose and securing it in a metal frame. The legs are made of hard metal, and the arms are made of soft aluminum. It takes a week to make the frame alone. And then the magic begins.

The frame is evenly covered with a layer of clay, based on casts of which wax parts will be cast. Clay casts must be worked out in detail, because the realism of the future exhibit depends on their quality.

Then clay forms, moistened warm water, filled with beeswax, purified and heated to a temperature of 74°C. Coloring pigments are first mixed into the wax to give it a color as close as possible to the natural skin tone. After this, the wax is allowed to cool for an hour. The final stage is grinding, during which technological seams and burrs are removed from the surface of the figure.

In total, work on one figure lasts about 800 hours. Therefore, no more than 20 copies are added to the collection every year. It is not surprising that each exhibit costs more than $50,000.

Useful information for tourists: opening hours, directions, ticket prices

The location of Madame Tussauds has remained unchanged since 1884. This is Marylebone Street, the full address is: Marylebone Road London NW1 5LR. This is a former planetarium building near Regent's Park. The nearest tube station is Baker Street. You can get to the museum by buses No. 274, 113, 82, 74, 30, 27, 18, 13 or 3.

The museum's opening hours are as follows:

Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 17:30

Saturday – Sunday: 9:30 – 17:30

IN holidays The museum is open until 18:00, and from mid-July to September - tourist season - until 19:00. You can use this to save on your entrance fee.

If the ticket is purchased at the box office, you will have to pay the full price for it. Experienced tourists are advised to purchase a ticket on the official website of the museum with a 25% discount. Below are prices for tickets at the box office and on the website.

• Child £30 at checkout and £22.50 online
• Adult £25.8 at checkout and £19.29 online
• Family £111.6 at checkout and £83.69 online

As you can see, the difference is noticeable. To save even more, you can visit the museum in the evening. The website offers to start the tour after 17:00 for £15. Bearing in mind that the museum is open until 19:00 during the tourist season, this option is worth trying. In addition, travel tickets railways Great Britain is given the right to enter the museum according to the 1=2 scheme, that is, 2 people for the price of 1.

From the Madame Tussauds wax museum, the visitor will not take away newly acquired knowledge, as from the Hermitage or the Louvre. Its exhibition is not educational in nature. But this does not prevent the queue, which cannot be counted, from wrapping around his building even in the cloudiest weather.

For many, Marie Tussaud's collection is not just entertainment and interesting photographs. This is a chance to make your dream come true and look into the eyes of someone about whom so much has been written and filmed, about whom there have been so many thoughts and dreams. After all, at all times people have strived to touch a star, even one that is on earth and made of wax.