It's been a long time since I last posted, but I thought I would share this news item. The Mammoth Cave Wax Museum's figure's are being put up for auction on May 19th. The press release I received never actually mentions the museum by name, but a viewing of the auction items easily confirms where the figures are from.
One of a kind - Albert Einstein wax figure
and 70 others to sell at Auction in Ohio
May 19th 2012 11:00 AM EST.
This rarity was commissioned by Einstein to be created by Katherine Stubergh (the legendary wax sculptress of the stars) shortly after he came to America. This amazing work was done as a “Live Blast” which means that Mr. Einstein actually sat with Stubergh in her studio as she took a mold casting off of his face and created his likeness! This is the only one known to exist!
This once in a lifetime former wax museum collection includes 63 other works by Stubergh including Jean Harlow, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney and even a 13 piece full scale rendering of The Last Supper! This story is the perfect combination of the bygone era of Hollywood legends, roadside American attractions and the excitement of auction!
After a long break from the blog, here's a quick post from the Hollywood Wax Museum. This shot shows former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a scene from Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Because he played the same character in this series of movies, some entertainment wax museums used the same figure and just changed the title of the movie to make their figures seem more relevant.
Another view of the figure which shows more of its leather outfit.
I plan to start posting again since the hectic schedule I've had the past few months has somewhat gone back to normal.
Here's a photo from the Musée Grévin in Paris. The scene is entitled Madame Laetitia entouree de sa famille, which shows Laetitia Bonaparte with her family. Her son Napoleon stands behind her, as well as her other children. She lived to be 85 years old, and died in 1836.
This shot from the Stars Hall of Fame Wax Museum in shows a scene from the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard. The film stars Gloria Swanson, Williams Holden and Erich von Stroheim. The film noir has been praised as on of the top films in motion picture history by the American Film Institute.
A closer view of the three stars. Many of the sets at the Stars Hall of Fame were identical to their counterparts at Movieland, and this tableaux seems to be no exception. I sometimes wonder if they used some of the same photos for both attractions. If so, the subtle differences in sets were be lost.
Heralding their arrival in Washington D.C., wax figures of all 44 U.S. Presidents were gathered at Union Station by Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. to celebrate the launch of its U.S. Presidents Gallery – which debuts at the attraction on Thursday, February 17, 2011.With the opening of the $2 million-plus Gallery, Madame Tussauds D.C. will be the only place in the world where people can see and interact with all 44 U.S. Presidents. (Photo Credit: Jim Sulley/Newscast for Madame Tussauds D.C.)
Here's a vintage image of Spanish professional golf Severiano Ballesteros. He won fifty events on the European tour which is the most all time. Ballesteros golfed professionally from 1974 until his retirement in 2007. He also won the Master's twice; 1980 and 1983.
A close up up the quite dramatically posed figure.
The brother and sister duo of Donny and Marie Osmond are seen here at the Movieland Wax Museum. The pair hosted their own variety show from 1976-1979 and have been in the entertainment spotlight off and on ever since. This scene represents their 1998 talk show of the same name.
Here is Donny Osmond with his arms crossed.
Marie Osmond holding one of her dolls. Osmond has had a doll making business since 1991.
A close up on the doll, Adora Belle. Even the Disney parks have sold Marie's line of dolls.
A clapboard sign of their show.
One more view of the two figures. They were sold together at the Movieland auction for $1,700. Exact copies of these two figures are still available to view at the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf. Both museums had the same owner and most figures from the 1990s and 2000s had duplicates.
This photo shows the wax figure of Queen Isabella I of Castile. Known as the financier of Columbus, Queen Isabella helped unify Spain. Her investment in the voyage of Columbus brought Spain out of bankruptcy and back into prominence in Europe.
A close up of the queen. It was also during her reign that the Spanish Inquisition began.
Here's a shot from the Denver Wax Museum of President Richard Nixon. The figure is fairly accurate, and doesn't look as generic as some lower quality presidential wax figures. If you want to see many of the figures from this defunct museum, make sure you visit the Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver Colorado.
This photo shows Grand Ole Opry comedic legend Rod Brasfield. Although he died young, 48 years old, Brasfield made a huge impression on the country music scene by being the main comedian at the Opry. He partnered with Minnie Pearl, and they both shared the spotlight. He died in 1958 due to heart failure.
Standing at this table in the Tussaud's London Wax Museum are three wax figures of our nation's founding fathers. From left to right are; John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. The London Wax Museum had an eclectic array of figures, but the majority were historical. This was one of the more modest sets.
A close up of the John Adams figure. Nice detail in the face.
The Angel Gabriel came unto her and said, "Fear not Mary, Thou has found favor with God. Thou shalt bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus."
This image is from the King of Kings Wax Museum at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg Florida. The museum opened around 1968 and closed in the 1990's. Fortunately, the figures were saved, restored, and moved to the Museum of Religious Arts in Logan Iowa.
A close up of Mary as she receives the news that she was chosen to give birth to the Christ child.
A close up of the Angel Gabriel.
View more information on the Museum of Religious Arts here.
Madame Tussauds U.S. Presidents Gallery will be the Only Place in the World Where People Can See and Interact with All 44 U.S. Presidents
[Washington D.C., December 20, 2010] – The ultimate three-dimensional tribute to America and its commanders-in-chief is one step closer to being a reality for the Washington D.C. area, as Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. today announced that its new $2 million-plus U.S. Presidents Gallery—which will house wax figures of all 44 U.S. presidents—opens its doors to the public on Thursday, February 17—just in time for Presidents Day. The launch of the Gallery will make Madame Tussauds D.C. the only place in the world where people can see and interact with all 44 U.S. presidents.
“We are looking forward to providing the public with the unique opportunity to experience all of the U.S. presidents in a way unlike ever before,” said Dan Rogoski, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. “As the only place in the world where people will be able to meet and interact with all 44 U.S. presidents, history buffs, students and the general public alike will enjoy a truly unique and enriching educational experience at the Gallery.”
Since the Gallery was announced last February, Madame Tussauds studio artists have been working tirelessly to create entirely new wax figures of 28 U.S. presidents. In anticipation of the opening of the Presidents Gallery, figures of presidents have been popping up across the country. Throughout the year, figure sightings have included: President Gerald Ford at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for the 97th anniversary of his birthday; founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson at the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia over the July 4th holiday; and most recently, Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, which took a road trip to Mount Rushmore in honor of the 69th anniversary of the monument’s completion. A lighthearted video of the trip can be viewed at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.’s Facebook and YouTube pages; and a photo of the figures at the monument with their stone visages in the background can be viewed and downloaded at newscast.
A tremendous undertaking, each figure takes about three to four months to complete and requires an extensive amount of work. In order to make the figures as lifelike as possible, Madame Tussauds artists have to study hundreds of photographs, and when available, hours of video footage. Of course in some cases, the artists did not have the luxury of photographs or videos, and needed to rely on historical accounts, even paintings.
The U.S. Presidents Gallery will serve as a rich educational resource and include a curriculum focused on the history of the U.S. presidents. The new curriculum will fully complement the attraction’s existing and free comprehensive Educational Curriculum Guide, which was developed in accordance with the U.S. Department of National Social Studies Standards and National Council for the Social Civil Rights Movement Studies Standards. The guide was designed to empower educators with the tools they need to deliver exciting lessons in areas such as history, political science, social studies and media – before and after visiting the attraction.
About Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction. Recent additions to the attraction include music superstar Rihanna; actress, singer and teen sensation Selena Gomez; music megastars and teen sensation, the Jonas Brothers; superstars Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Penelope Cruz and Tyra Banks; as well as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Madame Tussauds is located on the corner of F and 10th Streets, NW, within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House. For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300 or 888-WAX-IN-DC.
This shot from the 1934 movie, The Thin Man, shows William Powell and Myrna Loy in an amusing, yet slightly morbid scene. Powell plays Nick Charles, a retired detective and Loy is Nora, his wife.
Here's another view without the flash.
A close up Powell. Although he looks it, he actually is not the thin man.
A close up of the smiling Myrna Loy figure.
This small version of Asta the dog was once an animatronic figure. You can see how the arms are made to swing.
The clapboard sign, showing information on the film.
The William Powell figure sold for an impressive $3,000. The Myrna Loy figure sold for $700, and the set sold for $500. That included Asta the dog and a male extra figure that was lying on the couch. I'm not sure how detailed that figure was.
Here is Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto from Potter's Wax Museum. Caboto sailed for England in the fifteenth Century, where he is known as John Cabot. He sailed a northern route to the new world, reaching Greenland and Newfoundland. His voyages helped give England a claim to North America.
The San Francisco Giants recently won the World Series and the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf did their part to celebrate the title. Many of the figures throughout the museum had Giants baseball caps on. Here we see legendary baseball player and San Francisco Giants center fielder Willie Mays sitting in the rotating carousel of figures in the museum's Lobby time Chamber. The figure is quite old, and has for years been shown in this sitting pose.
A closer view with newspaper articles in the background. Mays played for the Giants (Both New York and San Francisco) from 1951-1972.
A close up of the "Say Hey Kid".
Visit the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf website here.
ARMY VETERAN AND MRS. AMERICA 2010 1ST RUNNER-UP RAQUEL RILEY THOMAS TO MEET, GREET AND TAKE PHOTOS WITH VISITORS AT MADAME TUSSAUDS WASHINGTON D.C. IN CELEBRATION OF VETERANS DAY
Veterans Go Free, $5 Off for Family and Friends as well as Other Special Discounts and Giveaways
In celebration of the brave men and women in the U.S. armed forces, past and present, former U.S. Army Ordnance Captain, current Mrs. Maryland America and 1st Runner-Up in the 2010 Mrs. America pageant, Raquel Riley Thomas, will sign autographs, take pictures and greet visitors in celebration of Veterans Day at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C., on Thursday, November 11, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 1001 F Street, NW (at F and 10th Streets). For the entire day admission will be free for all veterans and members of the U.S. military (valid veteran/military ID required), and friends and family members will receive $5 off admission.
Saluting visitors and passersby from a new 10th Street window display will be a wax figure of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who issued the first Veterans Day proclamation in 1954. Additionally, the very first veteran to arrive at the attraction on Veterans Day will receive a special Madame Tussauds D.C. photo album; the first ten veterans will receive a special Madame Tussauds book bag; and all guests will receive a yellow pin in honor of the nation’s veterans. The attraction will also offer an exciting scavenger hunt, where winners will receive a 25 percent discount off items in the gift shop. Festive Foods Catering will also provide refreshments for guests to enjoy throughout the day.
“Madame Tussauds is pleased to honor and provide the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces with a day of fun and enjoyment that they can share with their families,” said Madame Tussauds D.C. General Manager Dan Rogoski. “With the help of Raquel Riley Thomas, the variety of special discounts and activities we are offering, as well as the interactive experiences our figures provide, veterans will have a lot to be happy about on this special day.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and interact with wax figures of some of the nation’s most well-known historical icons, many of whom served in the military, including: George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.
From presidents and first ladies to political icons and civil rights leaders to pop stars and sports heroes, Madame Tussauds D.C.—the premier wax attraction—offers guests the chance to get up close and personal, take their picture with, hug and even kiss wax likenesses of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, actress, singer and teen sensation Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, Tyra Banks, Penelope Cruz, Rihanna and many more.
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction. Recent additions to the attraction include actress, singer and teen sensation Selena Gomez; nine U.S. presidents which will be included in the under-construction U.S. Presidents Gallery opening in February 2011; music megastars and teen sensation, the Jonas Brothers; superstars Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Penelope Cruz and Tyra Banks; as well as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The attraction is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House. The entrance is on the corner of F and 10th Streets, NW. The attraction is metro-accessible by the Red, Blue, and Orange lines at Metro Center or the Yellow, Green, and Red lines at Gallery Place/Chinatown. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday through Friday; and 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300 or 888-WAX-IN-DC.
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.
Presidential wax figures from Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.’s forthcoming U.S. Presidents Gallery – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln – are posed with their stone visages as part of a road trip from the nation’s capital to Mt. Rushmore, in recognition of the anniversary of the monument’s completion—October 31, 1941. The U.S. Presidents Gallery will debut at Madame Tussauds D.C. in February 2011. (Photo Credit: Jim Sulley/Newscast)
This poor tree torture victim at the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf hangs upside down at the museum's chamber of horrors section. Although this is one of the less gory scenes, it is still fairly disturbing based on the body language of the figure. The victim screams pain without saying a word.
This is how the figure looks as you pass by the dark chamber. I assume this is the tree torture scene, as this is the only one that seems to match that description from the museum's guide.
Visit the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf website here.
