Madame Tussauds London Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find the answers to questions about the famous Madame Tussauds, one of London’s top tourist attractions.
What is Madame Tussauds London?
Madame Tussauds London is a museum and popular tourist attraction in central London, founded by Marie Tussaud. The museum displays waxwork likenesses of sports legends, film and television stars, royalty, and other notable historical figures.
Who is Madame Tussaud?
Anna Maria ‘Marie’ Tussaud was a French sculptor. She was born in 1761 and passed in 1850. Under the tuition of her mother’s employer, Philippe Curtius, Marie learned the skill of wax modelling as a young child. She created her first sculpture at the age of 16 of the famous French Enlightenment writer, Voltaire.
Marie went on to tutor the sister of King Louis XVI and was later imprisoned during the French Revolution but was released after three months. During that time, she sculpted models of several prominent figures of the time.
After Curtius’ death, Marie inherited his wax figures. She toured Europe with them for thirty-three years before finally settling in London.
When did Madame Tussauds London open?
In 1831, after touring Europe with her collection of wax figures, Marie Tussaud took a series of short leases at the ‘Baker Street Bazaar’ in London. The venue became Madame Tussauds London’s first permanent home in 1836.
Where is Madame Tussauds London?
Madame Tussauds London’s location is on Marylebone Road in central London. The postcode is NW1 5LR.
Is Madame Tussauds London near a tube station?
Madame Tussauds London is in TfL Zone 1. The nearest London Underground stations to Madame Tussauds London are Baker Street and Regent’s Park.
Baker Street station is served by the Circle and Hammersmith & City, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines. Regent’s Park is on the Bakerloo line.
What is near Madame Tussauds London?
Madame Tussauds is close to several attractions. Among them are the Sherlock Holmes Museum, London Zoo and Regent’s Park. The shopping areas of Oxford Street and Carnaby Street are also close by.
However, some other London attractions are a little farther away. The journey from Madame Tussauds to London Eye takes approximately twenty minutes by bus, with a brief walk on either side.
How many Madame Tussauds are there?
At the time of writing, there are twenty-one Madame Tussauds worldwide, including six in the USA and museums in Sydney, Beijing and Tokyo.
How long does it take to make a wax figure?
The process of making a wax portrait at Madame Tussauds takes approximately six months. It requires over 250 photographs and precise measurements, 2,400 lbs of wax and over £38,000 for each figure.
What time does Madame Tussauds London open and close?
Madame Tussauds London is open from 9 AM most days. Closing times vary from 3 PM to 6 PM. As these hours vary, please check the hours for the day you intend to visit when planning your visit.
Can you visit Madame Tussauds with the Merlin Pass?
Yes, Madame Tussauds London is included in the Merlin Pass. However, visitors must book a time slot to gain entry to the attraction. Merlin Passholders can pre-book a slot for £1 per person.
How long is the queue for Madame Tussauds London?
The average time spent in the Madame Tussauds London queue is one hour. In high season, waiting time can increase to three hours.
How long to spend at Madame Tussauds London?
We recommend allowing at least two hours for your Madame Tussauds London visit. This will let you experience the museum, including the Star Wars exhibition and the Marvel 4D Superheroes Cinema.