While perusing some “news” websites today (okay, I was trolling for more gems from Sheen, pun intended), I came across a story about Justin Bieber and his excitement over the unveiling of his wax image at Madame Tussauds in New York and London.
The story made me recall my first awareness of the existence of wax museums. This occurred in the mid-90s during several months of European travel. First I came across Madame Tussauds in London. Although the line to enter was impressive, it did nothing to pique my interest.
This is a wax image of Princess Di, but she was still alive when I visited London. Image via Wikipedia.
Several weeks later while visiting Monaco, I came across a modest wax museum featuring the Royal Family of Monaco – the Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco. There was no line. Curious to investigate the fascination, I went in. The museum featured life size models of members of the Grimaldi Dynasty dressed in costumes from the time they lived and ruled. Good times.
During a recent stay in New York involving a few cab rides that crawled through Times Square, no matter the day, no matter the time, the line for Madame Tussauds snaked down the sidewalk.
Will someone please tell me why these places exist? What on earth is the big deal about staring at a wax figurine, even if it is someone “famous?” I understand that some folks enjoy having their photo taken standing next to their favorite celebrities. BUT THEY’RE NOT REAL! Come on now, what’s the point? “Hey look, sis – when I was in New York, I ran into Beyonce and had my photo taken with her!”
"I love SVU," slurred Betty
I’m not above stalking down a real live celebrity for a photo opportunity.
Just last year, my friend and I chased down Ice-T and his wife, Coco, in Las Vegas for a photo opportunity. But we talked with both of them and came away with a lot more from the experience than a slippery hand. That experience cost us nothing. To visit a wax museum, you’ll pay any where from $10 to even $30.
I did hear that there is a wax image of Robert Pattinson. Hmmm….if it’s anatomically correct, $30 might be quite reasonable.
Gratuitous photo placement of a man young enough to be my son. Image via Wikipedia.
