Madame Tussauds Waxworks museums can be found on pretty much every continent on earth.
They attract millions of visitors every year and offer a unique and fun way to spend an afternoon.
Take full advantage of the amazing offers in one of the best discount hotels in West End London and book a room in The Piccadilly London West End for a stunning weekend in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy iconic London attractions like Madame Tussauds.
Let’s take a look at the incredible woman behind the world wide phenomenon.
Early Life
Born in Strasbourg, France in 1761, she spent her childhood in the household of Dr. Philippe Curtius, a skilled wax modeller who created anatomical models for medical study.
It was under Curtius’ tutelage that Tussaud began to develop her talent for wax modelling, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already creating lifelike wax portraits of local celebrities and public figures.
Her First Wax Museum Job
In 1780, Tussaud moved to Paris and began working for Dr. Curtius at his wax museum.
There, she honed her skills as a wax modeller and learned the art of creating lifelike wax figures.
She also became acquainted with many of the leading figures of the day, including King Louis XVI and his wife, Queen Marie Antoinette.
The Revolution
When the revolution broke out in 1789, Tussaud was forced to create death masks of prominent figures who had been executed by the guillotine, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
Despite her own misgivings about the revolution, Tussaud continued to create death masks for the new government, knowing that her refusal would put her own life in danger.
Prison Time
Tussaud’s life was further upended when she was imprisoned during the Reign of Terror, a period of intense violence and political upheaval in France.
She spent several months in prison, fearing for her life, and was forced to create death masks of her former patrons and acquaintances who had been executed by the revolutionaries.
Tussaud’s remarkable skill and bravery during this difficult period earned her a measure of fame and respect, even among her former enemies.
Waxworks on Tour
After her release from prison, Tussaud resumed her work as a wax modeller and began touring with her wax models, bringing them to cities across Europe.
In 1802, she settled in London and opened a wax museum on Baker Street. The museum quickly became a popular attraction, featuring lifelike wax figures of famous people from history and contemporary culture.
Visitors were fascinated by Tussaud’s ability to create such realistic and detailed likenesses of their favourite celebrities and public figures.
The Iconic Madame Tussauds
Today, Madame Tussauds is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and has branches in cities around the world.
The museum is famous for its incredibly realistic wax figures of celebrities, politicians, and historical figures, and continues to be a major cultural institution- not too far from the stunning Piccadilly London West End Hotel.
The Legend Herself
Tussaud’s remarkable life story is a testament to her talent, creativity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges she faced during the French Revolution, Tussaud continued to pursue her passion for wax modelling and became one of the most celebrated artists of her time.
Make the most of your London West End stay package and explore the magic of one of the world’s greatest attractions; Madame Tussauds.
