Madame Tussauds Revisited

By June Ramli

London, Nov 17: After a 28-year hiatus, I recently revisited Madame Tussauds in London, a place that held a special spot in my heart since my teenage years.
Although I currently reside in Sydney, I made the decision to revisit the London location near Baker Street tube station, the same one I had explored during my initial trip to the United Kingdom some years ago.
This time around, I noticed there are now two Madame Tussauds in London.

Opting for the one near Baker Street tube station, the experience differed significantly from my initial visit.
Strict bag and security checks now greet visitors, emphasizing the need for hassle-free entry.
Arriving around 10:30 am after a minor hiccup with my original route, I appreciated the guidance from a kind lady at the tube station.

Madame Tussauds is just a stone’s throw away from Baker Street station.
Upon entering, the atmosphere had changed.
The once casual entrance check was now replaced by rigorous security measures.
However, once inside, the journey through a galaxy of stars, singers, and actors from various nationalities was smooth.
Indian actors mingled with British royalty, providing a diverse array of wax figures.
Some were spot-on representations, while others fell short.

The Marvel section, offering a 3D movie experience, was a highlight, immersing visitors in the action.
The experience also included a black cab ride through London’s history, complete with realistic wax figures that, admittedly, gave me the creeps.
The gift shop offered a variety of memorabilia.
Exiting the museum, I realized I had forgotten to capture moments with my favorite wax figures.
A quick U-turn was necessary, emphasizing the one-way flow of the attraction.
Wax stations and snack bars were conveniently scattered, catering to hungry visitors.
The majority appeared to be teens on various excursions, alongside a sizable number of Middle Eastern tourists.
Surprisingly, there were no locals in sight.
Overall, I would rate my revisit an eight out of 10.
While my first visit as an eager-eyed teenager remains unbeatable, Madame Tussauds continues to offer an enjoyable and immersive experience for both nostalgic souls and first-time visitors alike.

Did you know?

Madame Tussaud, born Anna Maria Grosholtz, was a French artist known for her wax sculptures.
The wax museum she founded in London has since become a major tourist attraction, with branches worldwide.
As of 2019, the newest addition is in Prague, and the museum is now under the ownership of Merlin Entertainments, a company owned by Blackstone Group.

Notable wax figures captured at Madame Tussauds in London: