Madame Tussauds is located on Marylebone Road in the northern part of central London close to Baker Street underground and around one mile north of Oxford Street, it is London postcode NW1. A young girl by the name of Marie Grosholz began to learn the art of wax modelling from her mother's employer in her home city of Paris during the 1770´s and from here, Madame Tussaud´s international dynasty begins.
Madame Tussaud´s Wax Museum has been one of the most popular of London's attractions since the first museum opened its doors in 1835 on ´The Bazaar´ on Baker Street in London. After the 1850 death of this extraordinarily creative and successful woman, her grandson moved the museum in 1884 to its current location on Marylebone Road, London.
There are numerous sections to be explored within the museum and apart from a few statues that do not quite replica the intended celebrity, most of the works are so life like that you will really feel like you've had your 15 minutes of fame.
The ´BB Diary Room´ is great for die hard fans of the reality TV show Big Brother. ´Air Guitar Star´ allows you fulfil a life-long dream of becoming a rock star (and we've all thought about it!), with screaming fans and all! For the sports freaks, or rather, football fanatics, there is the opportunity to go ¨head to head¨ with José Mourinho, the first Premiership Manager to be modelled. Chose your team and wait for feedback. Then there is ´Blush´ and this room is fab-ul-ous with a capital ´F´! In this section you can pretend you really do belong on Brad Pitt´s arm (made possible now that he and Jen have been split-up), check out Kylie´s best asset or shake your booty Beyonce style - but keep your eyes open for the sneaky paparazzi. The ´Auditorium´ (previously the London Planetarium) will take you on a trip through space, the ´World Stage´ is where you can rub shoulders with the world's political leaders and royalty, dazzle with the stars on Oscar night at ´Premiere Night´ then take a 5 minute mini taxi ride down Britain's history lane.
However, for some crazy reason the ´Chamber of Horrors´ is the museum's most popular attraction and this section is NOT for the faint hearted. If you think your nerves can handle it, spend a little time with Britain's most notorious serial killers in The Chamber - Live. Model's here include the 1980´s serial gay-men killer Dennis Nilsen who begged from his prison cell to be included in the museum. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 years are not permitted entry.
The entry queue for Madame Tussaud´s is long, to say to the least. To avoid waiting book your tickets in advance online or call the fast track booking service. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9.30am and the weekends from 9.00am. There are discounts for groups of 10 or more, concession prices, children under 5 enter free and family tickets are available if booked in advance. If you only fancy taking an hour or so to explore the museum, buy a ticket for after 5pm and the prices are cheaper.
More information regarding times, tickets and current exhibitions can be found on the website.
Madame Tussaud´s is a short walk from Baker Street underground station on the Bakerloo, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines.
There are many hotels within the immediate area of Madame Tussauds of varying standards. At the top end of the market is the Landmark Hotel which boats the largest average bedroom size in London. Just 15 minutes away is the Danubius Regent's Park Hotel, a lovely 4 star hotel also convenient for London Zoo. Most tourists prefer to stay nearer Oxford Street, Mayfair or in Kensington and travel to Madame Tussauds by underground.
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