The practice of making wax figures goes back to Ancient Rome and Greece but the use of figures for entertainment and educational purposes is most associated with Marie Tussaud. She opened her famous Madame Tussauds Waxworks in London in 1835. It’s home on Baker Street is visited by thousands of tourists from across the world. Combined tickets can be bought for other London attractions, including the London Planetarium next door. There is a collection that is updated periodically and special exhibitions. Barack Obama has been added to the World Leaders section. There are members of the British Royal Family, pop singers such as Elvis Presley, Britney Spears and Madonna, and Hollywood stars from Charlie Chaplin to Brad Pitt. The collection also features sporting heroes, such as Muhammad Ali. A new figure for Michael Jackson was unveiled in July 2009, the 13th version of him to be displayed. The most famous collection however, is the Chamber of Horrors, where notorious criminals await. Madame Tussauds has other branches around the world, including New York City, Hollywood, Washington DC., and Las Vegas.
The Musee Conti Wax Museum in New Orleans places the emphasis on history, particularly the history and events of the city and of Louisiana. Located in the French Quarter, it opened its doors in 1963 and it displays figures from famous books and horror films. It has its own Haunted Dungeon with Edgar Allen Poe and Victor Hugo. Visitors learn about voodoo and the Battle of New Orleans. The wax figures include President Jackson and Louis Armstrong. In addition to being a museum, it is a venue for corporate events and wedding receptions.
The Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco also opened in 1963 and has an unusual collection. The Hall of Religions contains wax figures that represent six different religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism. Ancient Egypt is also on display in the King Tut Exhibition, which contains a recreation of King Tut’s tomb. There are more than 200 figures in total and these include historic and sports figures. The Chamber of Horrors contains an Iron Maiden, a guillotine, severed heads, and the figure of Dracula.
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The Royal London Wax Museum in Victoria, British Columbia was established in 1961. Much of the collection has a British theme, including members of the British Royal Family, past and present. In addition to the wax figures, there are displays, such as a replica sword of Genghis Khan and the Crown Jewels of British monarchs. The collection also includes presidents and historic figures, inventors, composers, explorers and authors. Over 300 wax figures are displayed and these are all sculpted in England.
There has always been a fascination with wax figures. We like to see how good a likeness has been achieved. It’s a real art in the hands of a craftsman or woman. We also like to be near the master criminals of the age without being in danger. Our continuing interest in celebrities also fuels the success of these wax museums and if we can’t actually meet Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, at least we can pretend!