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Over a decade ago during summer break from college, I visited NYC with one of my dear friends. We didn’t have a plan, we just wanted an adventure. After exploring the Statue of Liberty and a few other locations throughout the city, we found ourselves in the heart of Times Square right outside of the Madame Tussauds museum.
It was the first time back in the city after September 11, the memorial had not been built yet.
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As we walked around, Frankenstein caught my eye. I love, love, love weird creepy movies like Frankenstein and The Addams Family so my heart was definitely a flutter. What I didn’t know was that this would be my first experience at Madame Tussauds (but not my last).
Upon entering Madame Tussauds you are taken up an elevator where you can overlook Times Square before entering into the first room of wax figures. When we entered the room the noise level was deafening as the crowd from the last group of individuals still hovered around the room. Full of many different celebrities, such as Robin Williams and Oprah, you could take your picture with. It felt surreal to get up close to these figurines, honestly, I was waiting for one to turn into real life, but we aren’t living in a movie so to my dismay it never happened.
What will you see at Madame Tussaud NYC?
Each room within the museum has a generalized theme. The first room when I visited was popular celebrities of the time. This meant Whoopie Goldberg, Oprah, Robin Williams, and more.
As you snake your way through the museum, you are actually on a steady decline to the first floor. You will get the chance to experience the founding fathers, famous sports figures, cartoon characters, historical figures, and tv personalities that will amaze you.
What completely flabbergast me was the height perception of many individuals we see throughout our lives. For instance, I did not realize how short I was compared to the Obama’s.
Who is Madame Tassaud?
Marie Tussaud or better known as Madame Tussaud is a famous wax sculptor of the 1700s & the 1800s. Her life and history is extremely fascinating as she was born into a family of executioners, working for King Louis XVI, to being imprisoned during the French revolution.
Madame Tussaud opened her first permanent exhibition in 1835 at ‘The Baker Street Bazaar’ after 33 years of exhibiting her creations through the British Isles.
It would be another 165 years before the Madame Tussauds opened in New York City.
How much does it cost?
Purchasing online is highly recommended.
*Current pricing as of November 2021.
Museum Only Admission – $36.99 per person
Museum + Marvel Universe 4D – $43.99 per person
Museum + Marvel Universe 4D + Carnival Carnage 7D – $50.99
Is it Worth It?
While the museum was interesting and the process is by far one of the most fascinating stories I’ve seen, the museum in Times Square felt like a tourist trap. It wasn’t unique to New York, although some of the figurines can’t be seen in any of the other Madame Tussauds museums. Ironically just a few short years later I explored Madame Tussauds in Los Angeles and Orlando (this was a work trip) as well, both of which had copies of figures from NYC and new ones that were unique to them.
Do I recommend visiting the museum, I’m not going to say yes or no because while a great experience for me at the time, in today’s travel mindset I wouldn’t seek after it, except in the original location of London. However, for many, NYC’s Madame Tussauds might be the only place they ever get to experience the great craft of these wax figurines and if that is the case by all means I definitely say go for it.
