When you enter a wax museum, you step into a world where history, fame, and artistry collide. These famous museums offer you the chance to stand beside lifelike figures of your favorite celebrities, historical leaders, and cultural icons. Each waxwork is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to capture every detail, from the glint in an actor’s eye to the folds in a monarch’s robe. As you walk through these exhibits, you don’t just see the figures—you feel immersed in their stories. Whether you’re a movie buff, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and an engaging interactive experience, the best wax museums around the world promise you an unforgettable journey. Of course, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities for selfies right next to wax likenesses of some of the world’s most famous people.
Step into the World of Wax Museums
Madame Tussauds London
Step into the world-famous Madame Tussauds in London, where history, entertainment, and artistry merge. Founded in 1835 by Marie Tussaud, this museum is the original and most iconic of all the world’s best wax museums. For example, you can come face-to-face with stunningly lifelike figures of global icons such as Dua Lipa, The Beatles, David Beckham, and Beyoncé. The experience goes beyond static displays—interactive exhibits let you rub shoulders with Marvel superheroes or take a selfie with your favorite Hollywood actor. Every detail, from skin texture to eye color, is meticulously crafted, making each figure almost indistinguishable from reality. This wax museum is a must-visit for anyone wanting to walk among the stars. After all, this is the world’s best, the most famous and likely the most visited wax museum.
Musée Grévin, Paris
Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Musée Grévin has been enchanting visitors since 1882. You’ll find yourself transported through time, encountering historical figures like Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso, as well as modern-day celebrities like Kylian Mbappé. The museum is known for its grand Hall of Mirrors, an optical illusion masterpiece that adds a magical touch to the visit. Each wax figure is sculpted with painstaking detail, bringing to life everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Marilyn Monroe. As you wander through its exhibits, the charm of French history and global fame surrounds you in this elegant setting.
Hollywood Wax Museum, Los Angeles
If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting your favorite Hollywood stars, this is the place to be. Located on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, this wax museum has been showcasing lifelike celebrity figures since 1965. You’ll walk past figures of legendary actors like Marilyn Monroe, Tom Hanks, and Johnny Depp, each captured in their most iconic roles. Unlike other museums, this one focuses exclusively on the world of cinema, making it a paradise for movie lovers. With immersive sets and props, you can step into famous film scenes and feel like part of the silver screen magic. A visit here is like a red carpet event where you are the guest of honor. However, you mustn’t mistake this for the equally popular Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
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Madame Tussauds New York
New York’s version of the legendary wax museum offers a high-energy, interactive experience in the heart of Times Square. As you enter, you’re greeted by lifelike figures of The Rock, Taylor Swift and Spider-Man hanging from the ceiling. In addition, the Manhattan museum features themed zones such as the Sports Hall, where you can pose with Serena Williams, and the Music Experience, where you can join Michael Jackson on stage. The Marvel 4D Experience is a standout, bringing superheroes to life through cutting-edge effects. Whether you want to relive American history or dive into pop culture, this museum is an unforgettable journey. Like other major New York attractions, Madame Tussauds New York is easily accessible by the subway, with the Port Authority and Times Square stations just minutes away.
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Madame Tussauds Berlin
In the vibrant city of Berlin, this branch of Madame Tussauds offers a blend of history, politics, and entertainment. You’ll stand next to Albert Einstein, shake hands with Ludwig van Beethoven, and pose with movie icons like Leonardo DiCaprio. What sets this location apart is its dedication to German history, with figures of past leaders and cultural legends. For example, you you can visit interactive zones that allow you to reenact famous moments, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to a rock concert with German music stars. It’s a thrilling mix of education and fun, all under one roof. Madame Tussauds Berlin has a prominent location next to the Brandenburger subway station, with the iconic Brandenburg Gate just minutes away.
The National Wax Museum Plus, Dublin
This Irish gem takes a unique approach to the wax museum experience. Located in the Irish capital, the National Wax Museum Plus offers a mix of entertainment, history, and mythology. You’ll encounter Irish literary giants like James Joyce, as well as musicians like U2’s Bono and Tina Turner. One of the highlights is the Children’s Fantasy World, a whimsical space filled with fairy-tale characters. The museum also has a Horror Chamber, a spine-chilling section featuring horror movie icons and eerie historical figures. Whether you’re a history buff or looking for some lighthearted fun, this museum has something for everyone. Originally known as the National Wax Museum, it added the Plus when it was relocated to the popular Temple Bar neighborhood.
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Madame Tussauds delivers a dynamic experience in the heart of the Netherlands. You can strike a pose with Dutch nobles, stand beside Rembrandt, or even meet soccer legend Johan Cruyff. The museum emphasizes interactivity, letting you mix beats as a DJ or star in your own film scene. Among the other famous celebrities you can see here are wax figures of George Clooney, Zendaya, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. The attention to detail in each wax figure is breathtaking, capturing personalities with uncanny realism. With stunning city views from its location in Dam Square, this museum blends culture and entertainment seamlessly. It’s a fantastic way to explore Dutch and global icons in an immersive setting. You can find Madame Tussauds Amsterdam wax museum in the popular and very lively Dam Square.
Indian Wax Museum, Lonavala
Nestled in the hills of Lonavala, the Indian Wax Museum is a tribute to Indian culture and history. It features lifelike statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar, and Bollywood megastars like Shah Rukh Khan. Unlike many Western wax museums, this one focuses heavily on Indian personalities from sports, entertainment and more. The museum’s cozy setting offers an up-close experience with each figure, making it a personal and intimate visit. Whether you’re an admirer of Indian cinema or its rich history, this museum provides a captivating glimpse into the country’s icons. While in Lonavala, you may also wish to visit Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum and Lucky’s Celebrity Wax Museum.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Situated in the iconic Peak Tower, this wax museum offers a celebrity-filled adventure with a spectacular city view. You can take selfies with Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and K-pop sensation BTS. The museum features themed sections, including a Kung Fu Zone dedicated to martial arts legends. It also includes Asian historical figures, bridging the gap between entertainment and heritage. The immersive experiences, such as VR attractions, make this Madame Tussauds one of the most technologically advanced in the world. In order to visit Madame Tussauds Hong, you must travel to the Peak Tower shopping complex. While at Peak Tower, don’t miss seeing Sky Terrace 428, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Hong Kong.
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Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Niagara Falls
Located just minutes from Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks is a fun and quirky stop for visitors. Louis Tussaud, a descendant of Madame Tussaud, established this museum to continue the family tradition of wax artistry. Here, you’ll find a mix of Hollywood stars, musicians, and world leaders, including Elvis Presley and Bill Gates. The museum is known for its eerie and unique Horror Chamber, where you can encounter horror movie villains up close. Unlike other museums, it has a more relaxed and fun atmosphere, making it great for families and casual visitors.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
Singapore’s edition of Madame Tussauds offers a tropical twist on the classic wax museum. You’ll meet famous faces like Lee Kuan Yew, Jet Li, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all crafted to perfection. The museum features the Spirit of Singapore boat ride, an indoor journey showcasing the country’s culture and heritage. The interactive elements let you step into Bollywood film sets or race against Lewis Hamilton in a virtual Grand Prix. With its stunning lifelike figures and innovative attractions, this museum brings history and entertainment to life. You can find Madame Tussauds Singapore at Imbiah Lookout, on the popular Sentosa Island.
Madame Tussauds Tokyo
Tokyo’s Madame Tussauds offers an up-close encounter with Japanese and international stars. You’ll stand next to avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, take a photo with J-pop idols, or pose with Hollywood legends like Tom Cruise. The museum focuses on realism, with figures so detailed that they seem ready to come to life. One of the highlights is the hands-on experiences, where you can learn how wax figures are made. Located in the heart of the city, this museum is a must-visit for pop culture enthusiasts.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Las Vegas’ Madame Tussauds brings the glamour of the Strip to life with lifelike celebrity figures. You can pose with Elvis Presley, hang out with the Hangover movie crew, or stand next to music icons like Rihanna. The museum features themed sections such as the Marvel Superheroes 4D Experience, where you can interact with your favorite characters. Vegas wouldn’t be complete without a touch of magic, and here you can also meet illusionists like Criss Angel. It’s an exciting, over-the-top experience that perfectly matches the energy of the city.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Situated in the heart of the entertainment capital, Madame Tussauds Hollywood brings you face-to-face with the biggest stars of the silver screen. You can pose with Hollywood legends like Audrey Hepburn, Brad Pitt, and Dwayne Johnson. This location is famous for its interactive exhibits, allowing you to recreate movie scenes or step into a music video. The museum also features a dedicated Marvel Superheroes 4D experience, adding a thrilling cinematic element to your visit. Whether you’re a film fanatic or just looking for an exciting Hollywood experience, this wax museum is a must-visit.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
