Saturday, January 31, 2009

Burning Spring Wax Museum- The Burning Spring

Niagara Falls is a hot spot for wax museums. There are currently four museums open on the Canadian side of the falls, but today's post concentrates on one that's no longer in business. The Burning Spring Wax Museum focused on Canadian and American history, a theme that was perfect for a border town. However, I guess the educational aspect of the museum was not all that exciting for tourists when there was much more to see and do at the falls. Here we see the Burning Spring itself, a natural gas spring that created an "eternal flame" when ignited.


This is supposed to be Father Hennepin, who visited the falls in 1678.


An Indian girl who seems to be admiring the Father. This may be Lelawala, the young Indian girl who, as legend states, was sent over the falls as a sacrifice to appease the thunder god Hinum. This was to prevent the men from becoming ill, which may be why the male is lying down.


And an older male standing by the teepee.

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Williamsburg National Wax Museum- Pocahontas and John Smith

After taking a week off, I'm back with a scene from the Williamsburg National Wax Museum. Here, we see a recreation Pocahontas saving the life of John Smith. This is a popular scene among historical wax museums, as the legend of Pocahontas and John Smith is one that Americans seem to relate to.


According to Smith, Wahunsunacock (1547-1618), the Chief was to be the one to kill Smith.


Pocahontas (1595-1617) pleading for mercy on John Smith.


John Smith (1580-1631) awaiting the ax (His account states the weapon as a club).

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf- George W. Bush

One day before the Inauguration and I have one last post of George W. Bush. Here we see him at the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Like Madame Tussaud's, he's at a podium. But unlike that figure, he's is smiling. I believe this is the exact same mold as the Movieland figure, as both museums were owned by the same family.


A closer shot, not a bad likeness from this angle.


From this angle, it looks less like the President. Move its hand and it's in the same pose as the Movieland figure was in.

View more information on George W. Bush here.

Visit the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf website here.

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Sunday, January 18, 2009

Madame Tussauds- George W. Bush

Seeing as these pictures may not be so relevant in a few days, I am continuing my posts of President Bush. Here we see him at the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Las Vegas Nevada. I believe this figure is already gone from the museum, and replaced with 44th President Barack Obama. This first shot is one of my favorite of the set, as the lighting the room is really unbelievable.


A wider shot shows how much space is dedicated to one figure. I'm not sure if the Barack figure is stuck in the corner like this one was.


Mr. President next to his podium.


And a close up. The shadows make him look "squinty".


It's less squinty with the flash on.

View more information on George W. Bush here.

Visit the Madame Tussaud's Las Vegas website here.

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Movieland Wax Museum- George W. Bush

Since there are but a few days left of the term of George W. Bush, I thought I would highlight some of the many wax figures of the 43rd President. Here we see Mr. Bush standing behind his chair in the oval office. This was the last display of the museum before guests would empty back into the lobby.


A view of the President from another angle.


A close up reveals more of the figure's detail.


No clapboard sign, or wax facts like most of the figures at Movieland. Just this desk plaque. At the Movieland auction, the Oval office set was split into two lots, the office (without desk), and two flags(U.S and Presidential seal). The flags sold for $510, and the set sold for $300. The figure was not sold at the auction, it moved to South Korea to the World Wax Museum, presumably with the desk.

View more information on George W. Bush here.

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Friday, January 16, 2009

News- Barack now at Madame Tussaud's

In an early inauguration the London Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum unveiled their new Barrack Obama wax figure. It's basically the same as the one that had already been on display in Washington DC. Other figures will follow at the various museums around the globe. Many already have them up as well.


A closer view of the President elect.


You almost don't feel like you're in a wax museum at all.


Friday, January 09, 2009

Hall of Presidents Wax Museum- Exterior

Because Houses of Wax reader Purplepeanut asked for images from the Hall of Presidents Wax Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado, here's a beautiful shot of the exterior of the building. I recently acquired some images of the museum, and I am looking forward to sharing them soon. I don't know when the museum opened, or when it closed, only that the building is still standing, but not as a wax museum. Hopefully, I can find more information.

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Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Madame Tussaud's- Guy Fawkes

(1570-1606)

This picture from Madame Tussaud's in London shows Guy Fawkes attempting to blow up the English Parliament building in order to restore Roman Catholic rule in England. The barrels are full of gunpowder, which would have created a devastating explosion. However, Fawkes was apprehended before his plot was completed. Although the plan was not fully executed, Fawkes was, but not before he became a legend in England.

Visit the Madame Tussaud's London website here.

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Sunday, January 04, 2009

Walt Disney World- Rögnvald

At the Norway pavilion in Walt Disney World is a small museum dedicated to the history of Norwegian Vikings. Here we see Rögnvald in a warriors pose. The vikings of his era were fierce raiders, and reeked havoc across the region. This figure highlights the historical dress and armor of the warrior.


Another angle of the figure. That helmet looks very uncomfortable.


A flash picture shows more detail, yet destroys the mood of the scene. At least we can see the figure's eyes.


A sign explaining the history of Rögnvald. He was merciless and savage, just like all good vikings.




Here's a short video of the figure as it stands in the Norway Pavilion in Walt Disney World.

Visit the Walt Disney World website here.

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