Madame Tussauds Budapest Opens, Introducing Its 51 Wax Figures

Madame Tussauds Budapest welcomes visitors with 51 Hungarian and international figures. The world's 24th Madame Tussauds attraction opens in Palazzo Dorottya on 25th May. As part of the local premiere of the world-reknown 250-year-old brand, the Madame Tussauds team have carefully protected secret of the identities of the figures was finally revealed. Among current Hungarian celebrities, visitors can meet the wax figures of world-famous model Barbara Palvin and Olympic champion Katinka Hosszú. Other immersive zones in the attraction house famous stars, the most famous figures of history, culture and science.

The red carpet is laid, the curtain has finally been raised and the wait is finally over: the newest international sensation of the capital was introduced to press and media. Madame Tussauds Budapest was inaugurated this morning in an official ceremony, attended by József Kreinbacher, the owner, the representative of the rightsholder Merlin Entertainments, Paul Fox, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary, Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, the representative of the Hungarian Tourism Agency, and Katinka Hosszú, Olympic champion swimmer.

Madame Tussauds Budapest brings 51 lifelike figures and their breathtaking installations to the public in this brand new experience. Over half of the figures (17) which have been created for the new space have Hungarian connection. The majority of the figures were made secretly in the Madame Tussauds creative hub which in based in London, UK. As part of the planning phase, the public of Budapest were asked in a large-scale survey who they would like to see and were most interested in. As a result, historical figures, stars, athletes, cultural icons and a world-famous Hungarian scientist are all on the list. They include:

Harry Houdini, Katinka Hosszú, Katalin Karády, Lajos Kossuth, Ferenc Liszt, Béla Lugosi, King Matthias, Mihály Munkácsy, János Neumann, Barbara Palvin, László Papp, Sándor Petőfi, Ferenc Puskás, Sissi, King Stephen I, István Széchenyi, and Jimmy Zambo

At Madame Tussauds, guests can get up close and personal with the biggest Hollywood stars, famous singers, artists, historical figures and sportsmen. You can take a photo with them and learn about an iconic moment in their lives.

Guests can also exclusively meet the lifelike figures of Bud Spencer, Chuck Norris and Peter Falk in Budapest, who are only on show in Madame Tussauds Budapest. It was previously announced that Pope Francis and the late Queen Elizabeth II are also waiting for the visitors within the walls of Palazzo Dorottya.

Other famous celebrities, athletes and politicians also await guests including:

Beyonce, Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Hszi Csi-Ping, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr., Lady Gaga, Mihail Gorbacsov, Ryan Gosling, Ariane Grande, Tom Hanks, Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Freddie Mercury, Lionel Messi, Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt, Rihanna, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronald Reagan, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, Donald Trump and Bruce Willis.

Focus on Budapest

Madame Tussauds in Budapest will be the brand's latest - and also the first production operating in a franchise system, which further supports the capital in becoming one of the leading tourist experience cities of Europe. Budapest is not only the location but also the inspiration for the exhibition: with numerous iconic Hungarian buildings and monuments which are displayed as part of the immiersive experience. Guests can, walk through ’the Tunnel’, "date" stars on the promenade of the Danube River, and dive into the remarkable world of spas. The unique installations reflect the heritage, traditions and values of the capital city and Hungary.

The Hungarian Tourism Agency supported Madame Tussauds Budapest with 3 billion HUF as part of the Kisfaludy Tourism Development Program.

A place full of experience

In addition to the wax figures and the wonderful installations, several experiences await the guests at the attraction including: interactive screens, innovative light and sound shows, impressive audio visual content, VR adventures, ’selfie points’ and many other exciting surprises guarantee memorable entertainment. Guests can also enjoy a Cinema Café with special visuals and a souvenir shop.

Located in the heart of the city center, the attraction will welcome local and international visitors 364 days a year.

Tickets can also be purchased on site, however, with the discounted online tickets available at www.madametussauds.hu, the visit can be planned in an easier, more practical way, due to the time slots that can be booked in advance.