Madame Tussauds has over 200 years of extraordinary history, captivating millions of visitors around the world with its lifelike wax figures and immersive experiences. The story begins in 1761, when Marie Grosholtz—later known as Madame Tussaud—was born in Strasbourg, France.
Her journey into wax artistry began under the mentorship of Dr. Philippe Curtius, a physician skilled in wax modeling. By 1777, Marie had sculpted her first figure—Voltaire—and later became an art tutor at the Royal Court in Versailles. During the French Revolution, she was imprisoned and later tasked with creating death masks of executed nobles, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.
In 1802, Madame Tussaud brought her wax exhibition to Britain, eventually establishing a permanent home in London in 1835. Her legacy continued through her descendants, and the attraction grew into a global phenomenon.
🕰️ Key Moments in Madame Tussauds History:
- 1884: The attraction moved to Marylebone Road, London—its current UK home.
- 1925 & 1940: Survived a fire and WWII bombing, respectively.
- 1972–2023: Expanded globally with locations in Amsterdam, Las Vegas, New York, Hollywood, Dubai, and beyond.
- 2009: Madame Tussauds Hollywood opened, bringing the magic of wax to the heart of the entertainment capital.
- 2023: A global launch of seven new Harry Styles figures marked the brand’s first-ever synchronized worldwide reveal.
Today, Madame Tussauds continues to blend history, pop culture, and innovation, offering guests the chance to get up close with the world’s most iconic figures—from royalty and revolutionaries to superheroes and superstars.
👉 For a deeper dive into our fascinating history, visit our official page here.