Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

In the late 1990s, Madame Tussauds operated museums in several major cities, including London, Amsterdam and Las Vegas. However, the Asia–Pacific region remained unrepresented. In response, the Tussauds Group launched a touring exhibition titled Madame Tussaud's Touring Attraction, which visited Singapore and Australia and received a positive public response. Encouraged by the reception, the Group selected Hong Kong as the location for its first permanent venue in Asia, citing its strategic proximity to regional markets.^[5]

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong opened in 2000 at The Peak, with a large collection of wax figures representing notable individuals from around the world, as well as prominent Hong Kong celebrities. More than one-third of the exhibits portray Asian personalities. The museum has regularly hosted figure unveiling ceremonies, often attended by the celebrities themselves and their fans. In 2005, the venue underwent a significant renovation costing 20 million Hong Kong dollars (US$2.6 million). The facility reopened on 18 May 2006, with the renovation having the exhibition area by 700 square metres (7,500 sq ft) across three floors and introduced five themed zones.^[2] These include Hong Kong Glamour, Music Icons, Historical and National Heroes, The Champions, and World Premiere, where visitors can interact with figures in immersive settings.^[5]

As of 2008^[update], the museum is managed by Bret Pidgeon, who also oversees the Shanghai branch. Pidgeon previously served at Madame Tussauds New York for eight years.^[6] The Hong Kong location is accessible by minibus, taxi, or the Peak Tram from Central. It operates daily from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM.^[7]

Creating a wax figure involves multiple sittings with the celebrity, during which a sculptor from Madame Tussauds Studios records details such as hair and eye colour and takes over 500 body measurements.^{[citation needed]} The primary objective is to capture the subject's likeness and personality accurately. A clay model is initially sculpted and used to create a mould. Wax casts of the head and hands are produced, into which hand-painted acrylic eyes are inserted. Real human hair is applied strand by strand for realism.^[3]

The figure is then coloured using a mixture of oil, water, and acrylic. The body is cast in fibreglass, to which the wax head and hands are attached. Clothing is often donated by the celebrity, and the pose, facial expression, and styling aim to ensure maximum authenticity. Each figure takes approximately six months to complete and involves a team of around 20 artists.^{[3][additional citation(s) needed]} The cost per figure is estimated at HK$1 million.^[8]

Several figures at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong are notable for their innovation or cultural significance:

• The figure of Miriam Yeung (unveiled November 2006) – the first wax figure globally to feature built-in sensors that allow it to giggle, reflecting Yeung's well-known lively personality.^[9]
• The figure of Connie Chan (unveiled August 2006) – the first figure dressed in full traditional Chinese regalia. The costume was inspired by her role in the musical Only You, set in the Yuan Dynasty.^[10]
• The figure of Bae Yong-joon (unveiled May 2006) – the first Korean celebrity to be represented in a Madame Tussauds museum.^[11]
• The figure of Andy Lau (unveiled April 2005) – the museum's first animatronic figure, made from silicone rather than wax. Lau's model features a heartbeat mechanism inspired by a similar animatronic installed for Brad Pitt in the Madame Tussauds Amsterdam.^[8]

The list of featured celebrities sorted according to on-site themes are:

• 
  Jay Chou (周杰倫)
• 
  Michelle Yeoh (楊紫瓊)
• 
  Leo Ku (古巨基)
• 
  Madonna

Madame Tussauds' second Asian location was established in Shanghai following the city's growing status as a cultural and tourist hub in East Asia. In early 2004, the Tussauds Group entered discussions with local authorities, resulting in an agreement to open a new museum. Madame Tussauds Shanghai (Chinese: 上海杜莎夫人臘像館) opened on 1 May 2006 on the 10th floor of the New World Department Store on West Nanjing Road.^[27]

The Shanghai venue currently features approximately 75 wax figures of both Chinese and international celebrities, with additional expansion phases planned.^[28] The museum is divided into seven themed zones: Glamour, Behind the Scenes, History and Heroes, Music, Film, Speed, and Sport. It operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Admission is 135 Renminbi (US$20) for adults and students.^[29] Shanghai became the sixth Madame Tussauds museum worldwide, following those in London, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, New York, and Hong Kong.^[28]

• Peak Galleria
• Tourism in Hong Kong