Madame Tussauds
World's Greatest Wax Museum
MADAME TUSSAUDS
We are not associate with Madame Tussauds at all. We are just big fans of their museum in Hollywood [https://www.madametussauds.com/hollywood/]
Updated: April 2026
Posted: March 2026
Madame Marie Tussaud
- Born in 1761, Marie Grosholtz (later Madame Tussaud) has become the most famous sculptor and exhibitor of wax portraits in history.
- This ambitious woman used talent, determination, and a natural instinct for entertainment to found one of the world's most famous atractions, Madame Tussauds.
- The process Madame Tussaud used in her sittings and figure-making have been passed down through generations spanning over 200 years. In following these methods, contemporary Madame Tussauds' sculptors create the most life-like wax figures in the world.
Born Anna Maria Grosholtz on December 1, 1761 in Strasbourg, France
Died April 15, 1850 in London, England
Portrait
In 1802, Madame Tussaud began a grand tour that would last nearly 35 years. Exhibiting her vast collection of wax figures, death masks, costumes and relics she journeyed across the United Kingdom. In 1835, she established a permanent exhibition in London displaying celebrities of the day and creating a sensation for the public.
Death Certificate
April 15, 1850
In 1838, Madame Tussaud's memoirs were published. At 81 years old Madame Tussaud made her last figure, a self portrait. She passed away in her sleep in London at age 89 on April 15, 1850.
Death Mask
Madame Tussaud's death mask was taken using her own methods by her sons, Francis and Joseph, who inherited the thriving business. They were prominent in the management of the wax attraction. Supervising all the designs they continued the work with the ambitious determination of Madame Tussaud.
Guillotine Blade
Under the tutelage of wax modeler Philippe Curtius, Madame Tussaud sculpted Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin from life.
During the French Revolution her sculpting skills were put to more macabre uses making the death masks of the guillotined. Madame Tussaud bought the blade which beheaded Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette from the public executioners of Paris circa 1790.
Souvenir Guide Book
Madame Tussauds has developed strong links to Hollywood from the outset - creating figures of celebrities legendary to the stage and screen.
This 1938 catalogue lists Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Shirley Temple and Katharine Hepburn dressed in authentic film costumes, immortalizing Hollywood icons in wax.
Illustrated Guide Book
Madame Tussauds was widely proclaimed as the most exciting and educational exhibition in London.
Exhibition catalogues illustrated the unrivaled collection of wax figures of famous and infamous celebrities, and gruesome historical objects.
Advertisement
In 1884, Madame Tussaud's grandsons established one of London's landmarks and moved the exhibition to a new building at the present London site.
Journalists remarked that a visit to Madame Tussauds is like being personally introduced to the rich and famous. Crowds flocked to the launch of new figures like the Hollywood award ceremonies of today.
Madame Tussaud's Exhibition
On View, Portrait Models of PRESIDENT GREVY, the late M. LEON GAMBETTA, and late PRINCE GORTSCHAKOFF, T.R.H. the Dukes of CAMBRIDGE and CONNAUGHT, the late ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, Lord F. CAVENDISH and Mr. BURKE, Admiral Lord ALCESTER, Lord WOLSEYLEY of Cairo (taken after Coomassie), Sir A. Alison, Sir J. MILLER ADYE, Major-Gen DRURY-LOWE, and Sir H.T. MACPHERSON. A Portrait Model of STUMM is also added.
The identical OAR (thoroughly authenticated) used in connection with the ill-fated PHOENIX PARK TRAGEDY now on view. Also a Portrait Model of the informer, JAMES CAREY.
ADMISSION ONE SHILLING; Extra Rooms, 6d. OPEN TEN TILL TEN.
On View, Portrait Models of PRESIDENT GREVY, the late M. LEON GAMBETTA, and late PRINCE GORTSCHAKOFF, T.R.H. the Dukes of CAMBRIDGE and CONNAUGHT, the late ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, Lord F. CAVENDISH and Mr. BURKE, Admiral Lord ALCESTER, Lord WOLSEYLEY of Cairo (taken after Coomassie), Sir A. Alison, Sir J. MILLER ADYE, Major-Gen DRURY-LOWE, and Sir H.T. MACPHERSON. A Portrait Model of STUMM is also added.
The identical OAR (thoroughly authenticated) used in connection with the ill-fated PHOENIX PARK TRAGEDY now on view. Also a Portrait Model of the informer, JAMES CAREY.
ADMISSION ONE SHILLING; Extra Rooms, 6d. OPEN TEN TILL TEN.
1836 Advertisement
Madame Tussaud believed in the value of publicity, advertising her unique 'new additions', modeled from life.
In 1836, 400 different posters promoting Madame Tussauds were printed. Her exhibition provided a guide for the public to the celebrities of the time and her exhibition even received Royal patronage.
Signature Book
In the tradition of Madame Tussaud herself, sculptors from the studio attend a sitting with the celebrity to gather valuable photos and measurements before production of the wax figure begins.
They have collected hundreds of signatures at sittings, including Robert Downey Jr., Quentin Tarantino, Joan Rivers, and Jamie Foxx to name only a few...
