Musée Grévin

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Hall of Mirrors, or 'Palais des Mirages,' was originally created for the 1900 Paris Exposition.

2. 2

   The museum's creation was inspired by Madame Tussauds, but aimed specifically at representing the French public figures of the day.

3. 3

   Artists use clay to sculpt original figures before casting them in wax and layering them with oil paint.

4. 4

   The museum includes a theater built in 1882 that remains active for various performances.

5. 5

   Visitors can see a 'behind the scenes' demonstration showing how the wax figures are manufactured.

Overview

Musée Grévin is a historic wax museum founded in 1882 by journalist Arthur Meyer and caricaturist Alfred Grévin. The museum is located within a building featuring a Belle Époque-style Hall of Mirrors, which uses light and sound effects. It contains over 200 wax figures representing French historical figures, international celebrities, and political leaders. The collection is regularly updated to include contemporary stars and public personalities. It is housed in a building registered as a French Monument Historique due to its ornate 19th-century architecture. The museum provides an interactive experience that emphasizes the evolution of French society and pop culture.

Insider tips

• Book your tickets online in advance to bypass the physical ticket line.

• Visit during the late afternoon to experience the museum’s interior lighting design at its most effective.

• Check the official website for current special exhibitions before arrival.