SIGHTS IN LONDON - London 2015 - page 91

anything really historical (except for what they claim is the blade that beheaded Marie-An-
toinette) because “there's no money in it and we're a business.” Now it's all about squeez-
ing Leonardo DiCaprio's bum, singing with Lady Gaga, and partying with Beyoncé, Bran-
gelina, and the Beatles. The gallery, which sprawls through several rooms of a huge build-
ing, is one giant photo-op—the whole point is jockeying for position to snap the best pic-
ture of your travel buddy with a famous “person.” It's extremely crowded and chaotic, as
everyone clamors to press the wax with their heroes, while dodging tourist trinket kiosks
and photographers standing by to overcharge you for a print. These dummies are eerily
realistic—count how many times you say “excuse me” after bumping into a wax figure.
Cost: £ 30, up to 25 percent discount and shorter lines if you buy tickets on their web-
site (also consider combo-deal with London Eye, sold cheaper online; see here ) ; often
even bigger discount—up to 50 percent—if you get “Late Saver” tickets at the door after
17:30, but be aware that some experiences close at 18:00; two-for-one rail vouchers ac-
cepted (see here ) . Kids also get a discount of about £ 4, and those under 5 are free.
Hours: Mid-July-Aug and school holidays daily 9:00-19:00, Sept-mid-July Mon-
Fri 9:30-17:30, Sat-Sun 9:00-18:00, these are last entry times—place stays open roughly
two hours later; Marylebone Road, Tube: Baker Street, tel. [phone],
www.madametussauds.com .