The DC Traveler

Have your photo taken sitting behind the most powerful desk in the word in the Oval Office. Then pose for a photo with President Bush. Not far away is Hillary Clinton, also ready for another photo op.

No, it’s not the latest campaign fundraising scandal, it’s DC’s newest madam, Madame Tussauds - the new 27,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall famed for its historical exhibits, interactive experiences and wax figures of historical and cultural icons that opens today.

I had the opportunity to tour Madame Tussauds’ at an opening night press event yesterday evening and the place is truly amazing. I recall the old wax museums of my youth where displays were protected behind barriers and were not very lifelike, even at a distance. Not the case at Madame Tussauds. The figures are so lifelike, a couple of times while walking around, for just a moment, I actually thought the figure was standing there was ALIVE! The first time it happened, an older gentlemen was chatting with a younger man in a corner, who turned out to be Madame Tussauds version of a 1960’s era Bob Dylan. Kinda freaky.

The exhibits are divided into many themed rooms, including the Founding Fathers, WW-II, civil rights, celebrities, music and more.

Many of the interactive “people” are very photo-friendly and approachable, designed to put you into an exact moment in history. Sit in the box at Ford’s Theatre moments before President Lincoln gets assassinated; make a speech during the 1963 March on Washington while standing next to Martin Luther King overlooking the Reflecting Pool, or confer with Tiger Woods as you help him line up a 25-foot putt for birdie (as if he needs our help).

In the The Spirit of Washington DC exhibit, get taken on a historical tour of American political history, from the Founding Fathers to the White House Press Room where you can pose for a photo while holding your won personal press conference.

To me the most impressive room was the War II exhibit where Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill strategize about World War II on the phone. Ike and Truman were also represented in very lifelike detail.

Another favorite was the Civil Rights exhibit. See and hear as Rosa Parks recounts when she is told to give up her seat on a Montgomery City bus and stand next to Malcolm X.

The main rooms cover:

• Presidents, including Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, Harry Truman, Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, JFK and Jackie, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George HW and George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Hilary is located in another section, perhaps she’s hoping to to be moved into the President’s room in the near future.
• Civil Rights icons including Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and boxer Mohammad Ali posed posed ready to fight for the title, complete with a bead of sweat on his forehead.

• Behind the Scenes gives you the techniques and trade secrets on how Madame Tussauds creates their life-like wax figures.
• Music feature Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Beyonce in mid-song and more.
• Sports icons were limited to include just a couple more big names including Evander Holyfield and Babe Ruth.
• Glamour & Celebrities - Mingle with Hollywood’s A-list celibs including the likes of Will Smith, Julia Roberts (I thought she was taller), and Jennifer Lopez (I thought she was “curvier”).

Guys seemed to love sitting on the sofa next to Madonna for a photo, who, dressed in an all black jumpsuit and seemed more than willing to strike a pose. And surprisingly, women seemed hesitant to pose with hunk Brad Pitt. Perhaps Angelina on his arm was a bit too intimidating. And I’m glad to report, Paris Hilton and Britney were no-shows!

And when you’re ready to conclude your tour, don’t forget to stop for your live interview with news anchor Katie Couric.

All in, the Madame’s house is really fun place for kids, adults and your favorite A-listers and wanna-be paparazzi.

Madame Tussauds - Washington DC
1025 F Street, NW, between 10th and 11th Streets, NW
Washington D.C. 20460 (map it)

Dates and Times - Daily, from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (last entry), but check their website as during the first couple months as closing times may be adjusted based on visitor traffic.

Tickets - Ticket prices have not been made public, but based on NY City rates, expect admission to be $25-$30, with discounts for kids and Seniors. The Washington Examiner reported that adult tickets will set at $25.00, but that has yet to be confirmed. It also reported that tickets for today and tomorrow would be a special grand opening $10.00.

You can also get a high-quality 8×6-inch color photo sitting at the Oval Office desk for $12.95. It will be a great reminder of your visit to Madame Tussauds.

Nearest Metro Subway Station - Metro Center, Blue, Orange and Red lines, then a 2-block walk.

Parking -Metered street and paid garage parking is available in the area.

Images - from personal collection - ©2008, Jon Rochetti ___________________________________________________

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