Madame Tussauds in New York: how to get there and what to expect from your visit

Madame Tussauds in Times Square in New York introduces visitors to the world of celebrities. SecretNYC talks about special exhibitions, themed areas and the glamorous atmosphere of this location.

The museum contains more than 200 realistic wax figures of famous personalities, celebrities and historical figures. Visitors can pose with Hollywood stars or enjoy interactive activities. From jokes with Jimmy Fallon to adventures with Ghostbusters and exciting exhibits from the Marvel Universe, you can find it all in one of the most unique museums in the world.

History of Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds New York is part of a global network museums. It owes its existence to Marie Grosholtz, later Marie Tussaud, a French sculptor. She honed her skills under Philip Curtis, a wax sculptor.

On the subject: 15 little-known but very interesting museums in New York

When Philippe died in 1794, Marie inherited his two collections of wax figures. In 1802, Marie moved to Britain and in 1835 founded the first Madame Tussauds on Baker Street.

The popularity of this museum led to its rapid expansion, including the opening of branches in different parts of the world. In the United States, the first museum was opened in Las Vegas in 1999, and then in New York in 2000. Merlin Entertainment, a British company, operates a network of these museums.

Where is Madame Tussauds in New York and how to get there

Madame Tussauds is located in Times Square, 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, between 7th and 8th Avenues.

You can get to the museum by metro from 42nd Street Station:

• to Times Square: train lines 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R and S;
• to Port Authority: train lines A, C and E;
• to Bryant Park: B, D, F and M train lines.

If you prefer to take the bus, there are several options:

• to Times Square: local buses M6, 7, 10, 16, 20, 27 and 104.

You can buy tickets to Madame Tussauds here.

What to expect when visiting

Please note that the museum may be crowded on weekends, school holidays, national holidays and special exhibitions. Purchasing tickets in advance is a great idea to avoid queues.

You will have the opportunity to take pictures with all the wax figures of musical idols, actors or other famous personalities. You will be able to use cameras in all public areas of the museum.

Themed areas are also very popular. Music, sports, film and television galleries are worth mentioning. Enjoy other exciting experiences such as Marvel Super Heroes 4D, Warner Bros Icons of Horror and Ghostbusters.

Madame Tussauds is accessible to inclusive visitors. Infants, small children in strollers and service animals are welcome.

If you are carrying large bags or luggage, please ensure that they are stored in advance. A tour of Madame Tussauds usually takes about one and a half hours.

Other things to do while visiting

The exhibition features 200 wax sculptures, including:

• celebrities Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, Travis Baker;
• actors Dwayne Rock, Christian Bale and Robert Pattison;
• television stars, in particular Kim Kardashian;
• socio-political figures in The Gallery Maya Angelou, Charlie Chaplin, Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Einstein;
• athletes Muhammad Ali, Lionel Messi, Serena Williams and Derek Jeter;
• fictional characters The Incredible Hulk, King Kong, Spider-Man and Iron Man.

Plus, experience the thrill of a 7D interactive adventure at Madame Tussauds, taking on enemies with laser blasters or enjoying attractions like the Ferris Wheel and Roller Mountains. You can learn about the making of wax figures during an exclusive Behind the Scenes tour. This is a 30-minute guided tour (photography is prohibited).

When is Madame Tussauds open to the public?

The establishment is generally open from 10:00 to 20:00, although times may vary. Please check the museum's website for up-to-date information before visiting.