Madame Tussauds New York

The basics

From world leaders to Hollywood stars and sports legends, the halls of Madame Tussauds New York are filled to the brim with faces recognized across the globe. Pose for a selfie with Rihanna, shoot hoops with Carmelo Anthony, and shake hands with Einstein. Then, put yourself in the center of the superhero action at the interactive Marvel Universe 4D cinema experience, play a giant floor piano at the Broadway experience, or go face-to-face with New York City’s largest animatronic at Kong: Skull Island.

To save time at the entry, book your ticket online in advance. Some New York City sightseeing passes include admission to Madame Tussauds.

Things to know before you go

• Madame Tussauds New York is a must for families.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available on request.

• Photo-taking is permitted.

• Outside food and drink are prohibited, but you can purchase them at the museum.

How to get there

Located on West 42nd Street in Times Square, Madame Tussauds is a short walk from many major hotels. Otherwise, the best way to get there is by subway. Take the N, Q, R, W, or 7 train to Times Square–42nd Street, or the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street–Bryant Park. Both stations are about a 5-minute walk from the museum.

When to get there

Hours vary throughout the year, but Madame Tussauds is typically open daily from morning till night, closing earlier on Monday. During peak times (summer and school holidays), visitors can wait up to an hour to get in, so buy your ticket before you go.

Where to eat

You’ll find several fun dining options inside Madame Tussauds New York. For a sweet treat, head for Dylan’s Candy Bar. For drinks, visit the Broadway Bar, which serves theater-inspired beverages. At the Royal Experience, imagine yourself in the opulent surroundings of Buckingham Palace while enjoying high tea with none other than Her Majesty the Queen.

How much time do you need at Madame Tussauds New York?

The self-guided Madame Tussauds New York tour takes most visitors 60–90 minutes. But don’t discount the time it can take to get inside the iconic wax museum. During peak seasons, such as holidays or summer vacations, visitors can expect line wait times as long as an hour.

How do you avoid queues at Madame Tussauds New York?

Madame Tussauds New York tickets are available for purchase online. Get them in advance to cut down on wait times the day of your visit. Try heading to Madame Tussauds on a sunny day when most tourists would prefer to be outside exploring Central Park or other open-air New York City attractions.

What time is last entry to Madame Tussauds New York?

Typically, the last entry for Madame Tussauds is 8pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends. However, in summer the museum keeps extended hours and final admission is at 10pm daily. The official website has an up-to-date calendar, so be sure to confirm opening hours ahead of your visit.

Can you touch the wax figures at Madame Tussauds New York?

Yes. Unlike other wax museums, Madame Tussauds lets you interact freely with its waxworks. Ever wanted to take a selfie with Beyoncé? Or pose in the Oval Office with the president and vice president? This is your chance. Madame Tussauds lets you get up close and personal—hugging optional.

Can you take your own pictures at Madame Tussauds New York?

Yes. It’s not only permitted to take photos in the museum, but it’s also encouraged. Visitors can bring in cameras, camera phones, and selfie sticks at no extra charge, so long as it’s for personal use. Commercial photographers or film crews should get in touch with Madame Tussauds in advance.

Can you take water into Madame Tussauds New York?

No. Plan on finishing that bottle of water before you enter the premises. No food or beverages are permitted within Madame Tussauds. Bags are searched on arrival. Visitors can expect to be asked to either finish or dispose of any food or drinks they’ve brought with them.

Ways to explore

From Hollywood stars to sports legends and more, Madame Tussauds New York is filled with famous faces. Pose for a selfie with Rihanna, shoot hoops with Carmelo Anthony, and shake hands with Einstein. Then, put yourself in the center of the superhero action in the interactive Marvel Universe 4D cinema, play a giant floor piano at the Broadway experience, or find yourself face-to-face with the city’s largest animatronic figure at Kong: Skull Island.

To save time at the entrance, book your ticket online in advance. Some NYC sightseeing passes include admission to Madame Tussauds.

Accessibility

Madame Tussauds New York is accessible for visitors using wheelchairs and strollers, and service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, small handheld bag

What to wear

Wear a comfortable outfit for sightseeing, or dress to impress for your celebrity selfies.

Not allowed

Food and drinks, pets, large bags or luggage

Amenities

Restrooms, café, gift shop

Address

Madame Tussauds New York is in the Times Square area of Midtown Manhattan. It’s easy to reach by subway or bus, and taxis and rideshare services are convenient too.

Driving

Owing to heavy traffic and limited or expensive parking, driving to Madame Tussauds New York is not recommended. Opt for a taxi or rideshare instead.

Public transportation

Take the A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, or 7 train to Times Square–42nd Street, one of the city’s major transit hubs.

Best times to visit

Hours at Madame Tussauds vary, but they generally run from mid-morning to evening. Arrive shortly after the museum opens for a less crowded atmosphere.

Best days to visit

Aim for a weekday rather than a weekend if you can. The attraction is open daily.

Best months to visit

If you want to beat the crowds, aim to visit from January through May, or from September to October. Expect summer break and the winter holiday season to be very busy.

Special events

New Year’s Eve is a scene at Madame Tussauds—you can purchase tickets to watch the Times Square Ball Drop from its viewing area.