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Madame Tussauds: A First-Timer’s Guide To The World-Famous Museum

Step into a world where meeting your favorite celebrities becomes a stunning reality, thanks to Madame Tussauds in Times Square. Explore over 200 lifelike wax models of famous personalities, celebrities, and historical figures. Strike a pose with Hollywood stars or enjoy interactive experiences blending entertainment with education. From jokes with Jimmy Fallon to adventures with the Ghostbusters and immersive Marvel Universe exhibits, it’s all here at one of the world’s most unique museums.

Background On Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds NYC, a part of the global museum chain, owes its existence to Marie Grosholtz, later Marie Tussaud, a French sculptor who honed her skills under Philippe Curtis, a wax sculptor. When Phillipe passed away in 1794, Marie inherited his two wax collections. In 1802, Marie moved to the UK and established the first Madame Tussaud’s museum on Baker Street in 1835.

The popularity of that museum led to a rapid expansion, including opening branches in different parts of the world. In the US, the first was in Las Vegas in 1999, followed by NYC in 2000. Merlin Entertainment, a UK-based company, runs the museum chain.

An image of guest posing with Jimmy Fallon’s Wax Image
Source: Madame Tussauds New York

Where Is Madame Tussauds NYC And How Do You Get There?

Madame Tussauds is in Times Square, 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, between 7th and 8th Avenues.

The subway provides a convenient way to get to the museum. From 42nd Street Station:

  • To Times Square: Train lines 1,2,3,7, N, Q, R and S
  • To Port Authority: Train lines A, C and E Trains
  • To Bryant Park: Train lines B, D, F, and M

If you prefer to travel by bus, there are multiple options.

  • To Times Square: Local Bus M6, 7, 10, 16,20, 27 and 104

What To Expect When You Visit

Please note that the museum may become crowded during weekends, school holidays, national holidays, and special exhibits. Getting tickets in advance is an excellent idea to beat the queues.

You may take photographs with all wax figures of music icons such as Travis Baker and actors like Christian Bale or other famous personalities. You can use cameras in all public areas of the museum. However, the press and film crew must contact the museum’s press office.

The themed areas are also quite popular. Music, sports, film, and TV zones are worth mentioning. Also, enjoy immersive experiences such as Marvel Super Heroes 4D, Warner Bros Icons of Horror, and Ghostbusters experience.

Madame Tussauds is wheelchair accessible. Infants, small children in prams or strollers, and service animals are welcome.

If you are carrying large bags and luggage, please arrange to store them before visiting the museum. The Madame Tussauds tour usually takes around an hour and a half.

An image of the Oval Office with President Biden and VP Harris
Source: Madame Tussauds New York

What Else Can You Do When You Visit?

The show’s stars are the 200 wax sculptures of famous personalities. You can take plenty of photos with:

  • Music icons like Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, Travis Baker, and more
  • Actors like Dwayne Rock, Christian Bale, and Robert Pattison
  • TV personalities like Kim Kardashian
  • Sociopolitical figures in The Gallery like Maya Angelou, Charlie Chaplin, Mahatma Gandhi, and Albert Einstein
  • Athletes like Muhammad Ali, Lionel Messi, Serena Williams and Derek Jeter
  • Fictional characters like The Incredible Hulk, King Kong, Spider-Man and Iron Man

You can also experience the thrill of interactive 7D adventure at Madame Tussauds! Battle enemies with laser blasters, or enjoy rides like the “Wheel of Misfortune” Ferris wheel and roller coaster. You can also learn about the creation of wax figures with the exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour—a 30-minute guided experience (photography not allowed).

Afterwards, you can check out some of the following nearby events and venues such as:

  • Small-Group Broadway Theater
  • Water for Elephants
  • Lion King on Broadway
  • The Museum of Modern Art
  • Empire State Building
  • The Edge Observatory

FAQs

When is Madame Tussauds open to the public?

Opening hours are 10 am to 8 pm, though times may vary. Please check the museum website for updated information.

Can I touch the wax figures and click photographs?

Yes, you can. Also, you can take as many photos as you wish.

Are guests allowed to eat in the museum?

Visitors are not permitted to eat or drink inside.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum is wheelchair-accessible.

Discover Madame Tussauds, a museum where the world’s most famous faces come to life in stunning detail. Nestled in the heart of NYC, this museum will allow you to strike a pose with your favorites. You can share the stage with pop stars like Beyoncé or play your part in a Broadway experience.

There is something for everyone, from thrilling adventures with interactive 7D experiences to themed zones celebrating pop culture phenomena. For exclusive know-how on creating these wax figures, you can enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Perfect for families and solo explorers, Madame Tussauds offers a blend of education and entertainment that transcends generations.

Prepare for a fun-packed day when you tour the museum and other events and venues nearby. A visit to Madame Tussauds will be an unforgettable experience, leaving you starry-eyed, quite literally, and igniting your imagination like never before.

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