The House of Wax: Visiting Madame Tussauds in London

Madame Tussauds is one of the most popular museums in the world, housing life-like wax figures of some of the world’s best-known royalties and celebrities. It has locations all over the world, with seven of those in Europe, seven in the United States, and nine in Asia. Perhaps the most famous Madame Tussauds is the one located in London, which was built in 1835. For guests staying with us at the Best Western Hendon Way London, this is one not to be missed.

Who lives there?

The English royalties are the most notable residents of Madame Tussauds. Tourists never miss the opportunity to have their photos taken with the life-size figures of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Wax replicas of some of the who’s who in the music industry are also displayed. Musical greats like Adele, Freddie Mercury, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, One Direction and Rihanna are present. Top athletes like Mohammad Ali, Mo Farrah, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Rafael Nadal, Tom Daley, and Usain Bolt are also there.

You can also have your picture taken next to the most loved Hollywood celebrities in their most iconic roles. This includes Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games, Whoopi Goldberg in her role in Sister Act, and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Some of the Avengers have also assembled there with wax figures of the Hulk, Spiderman, Iron Man, Wolverine, and Invisible Woman. The figures for E.T. and the Terminator are also hard to miss.

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For Star Wars fanatics, a special section is dedicated to recreating several memorable settings in the movie franchise. This includes Cantina, the duel of fates, Jabba the Hutt’s throne room, the Millennium Falcon, Mustafar, Tatooine, and Yoda’s Dagobah.

Geniuses from different fields are also present in the culture section with three-dimensional figures of Albert Einstein, Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawking, and William Shakespeare.

How often is it updated?

Madame Tussauds’ line-up is regularly updated. In the mock-up of the Oval Office in the White House, the figure of Barrack Obama has now been replaced with that of Donald Trump. Temporary sections like that of Warcarft and Angry Birds have also been put up to mark the release of both movies in 2016.

How can I find it?

Madame Tussauds in London is on Marylebone Road in Marylebone. You can reach it either by taking the Tube or riding in a bus.  

How do I get there from Best Western Palm Hotel?

There are several ways to get there from Palm Hotel which is one of the best hotels near Wembley Stadium. The fastest when commuting is by taking the Line 113 bus to Finchley Road station, then taking the subway to Baker Street station. Another way is by walking from the hotel to Cricklewood station, then taking the subway straight to Baker Street station. You can also take the Line bus 113 straight to Baker Street Station. If you’re not on a budget and wants to get there as quickly as possible, black cabs and minicabs are also available.

When is it open?  

Madame Tussauds operating hours vary to accommodate school holidays and projected demands throughout the year. On months when the schools are in, the museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, then 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends. On half-term, summer holidays and Easter, operating hours is between 8:30 AM to 6 PM. December 25 is the only day it doesn’t open.

Where can I buy tickets?

The best way to buy tickets is through Madame Tussauds’ website as buying tickets at the booth might cost more than double. You can also take advantage of great deals where you can buy packaged tickets for a visit to the museum and other great attractions nearby such as the London Dungeon, London Eye, SEALIFE Aquarium, and Shrek’s Adventure. Ticket validity for these deals is 90 days from your Madame Tussauds visit. Prices may change on peak seasons.

What else is in the neighborhood?

Just along Baker Street, you’ll find the Regent’s Park, which is a 395-acre lot, with an open-air theater, and also home to the London Zoo. The Sherlock Holmes Museum is also on the same street.

You’ll also find the Wallace Collection further into Marylebone. It houses one of Europe’s most priceless collections of artworks, furniture, arms and armor, and porcelains. Further south, brings you to Oxford Street, which is the busiest shopping street in Europe.