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Madame Tussaud began taking wax
death masks of the celebrated victims of the French Revolution.
In 1815 she started up her first exhibition in Baker Street,
not far from the present site.
Madame Tussaud's still relies
upon traditional wax-modelling techniques to recreate famous
figures, including politicians, rock stars, sporting heroes
and film and television actors. The wax works is hugely
popular with tourists and vast queues regularly stretch around
the building.
In the 'Garden Party' the visitor
can mingle with life-like models of well-known celebrities.
The 'Super Stars' area concentrates on the world of entertainment,
while the 'Grand Hall' is devoted to royalty, statesmen and
world leaders, artists and writers.
The 'Chamber of Horrors' contains
recreations of some of the most gruesome episodes from the
history of crime and punishment. Highlights include
the murderer Dr Crippen and a Victorian street from the time
of 'Jack the Ripper'. It has the actual guillotine blade
used at the execution of Marie Antoinette.
The final area at Madame Tussaud's,
the 'Spirit of London', takes the visitor through 400 years
of London history, with events such as the Great Fire of 1666
and the 1960s 'Swinging London'.
The exhibits are always changing,
with the changes in society and individuals being "in"
or "out".
You can, for an extra charge,
now go "behind the scenes" and see the sculptors
- book on 0870 400 3000, but you must also have an normal
ticket as well.
The London Planetarium, situated
next door, is part of the same complex. Here, visitors
can experience a star show that explores and reveals some
of the mysteries of the planets and solar system. The
'main attraction' is a 30 minute show but as there is a 40
minute gap between performances visitors should plan their
trip to avoid a long wait.
Note: Planetarium closed 04.05.2004
- 16.06.2004
The interactive 'Space Trail'
section has many detailed models of planets, satellites and
spacecraft.
Admission charge
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London
Baker Street
