Madame Tussauds History Under A Minute - How It All Started

An ode to the superstars of today and times bygone, Madame Tussauds is a wax museum with figurines of all your favorite celebrities. Have a cup of tea with the Queen of England or take selfies with Kim Kardashian - Madame Tussauds gives you a chance to get up close with the A-listers. 

Over the years, Madame Tussauds London has become a lot more than mere wax statues of superstars. Delve in the dark with the Chamber of Horrors and take a taxi ride to the past, solve mysteries with Sherlock Holmes or see Kong on Skull Island, there’s a lot to keep you entertained for hours on together. 

History of Madame Tussauds

Opened in 1835, Madame Tussauds London was founded by Marie Tussauds, a talented sculptor born in Strasbourg, France. Marie curated her first sculpture at the age of 16 after being mentored by her mother’s employer - Dr. Philippe Curtius, who used to make wax models to illustrate anatomy. Marie’s first model was the famed French Enlightenment Writer Francois Voltaire. 

Her talent and expertise acquainted her with the Royal Family of France as an art tutor. During the French Revolution, Marie was thrown into jail on account of apparent allegiance with the monarchy.  To prove her dissonance with the French Monarchy, she made death masks of the royalty. From there on she started touring Britain, where her art was recognized and appreciated. Her first permanent exhibition was showcased at Baker Street. 

The Chamber of Horrors was specially made to display the gore of the French Revolution. 

Marie Tussauds expanded her collection by creating figurines of prominent personalities. In 1884, the Museum carried Marie’s legacy to Marylebone Road, its current location.