Marie Tussaud, better known to the world as "Madame Tussaud", sculpted her first wax statue, of the French writer Voltaire, in 1777; since then, her name and empire have traveled the world and introduced millions to her craft of ultra-realistic wax models. Madame Tussaud's Amsterdam location was the museum empire's very first overseas venture, and remains one of the capital's most popular tourist attractions.

With an enviable location on Dam Square (which boasts splendid views from its upper floors), Madame Tussauds is conveniently central museum, and fits in well with a tour of the square and its monuments. Both children and adults alike are wowed by the craftsmanship and sheer realism of the waxworks, and there's hardly a museum in town that offers more photo opportunities to its visitors.

What's to See at Madame Tussauds:

Most people know what to expect at Madame Tussauds: wax sculptures of celebrities, heads of state, and other notables. But each location also subtly introduces visitors to the pop-cultural landscape of its country. Next to Princess Diana, visitors can see the current Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and her beloved mother, Queen Wilhelmina; next to Barack Obama, the former Dutch Prime Minister Jan-Pieter Balkenende, who has suffered countless remarks on his resemblance to Harry Potter. And in no other Madame Tussauds can beer lovers pose beside Freddy Heineken, late president of the Heineken brewery.

Just like conventional museums, Madame Tussauds also has a calendar of temporary exhibits, as well as new "acquisitions", which often take the form of specially commissioned wax sculptures; the latest news and events can be found on the Madame Tussauds web site. Be sure to book online both to bypass the queues and to receive a 10% discount.

Madame Tussauds Visitor Information:

Madame Tussauds Location
Dam Square

Opening Times

• Daily, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Last admission at 5:30 p.m.
• Closed on April 30, with reduced hours for other holidays; see the Madame Tussauds web site for full schedule.

Admission Fees (for on-site ticket purchases)

• Adults: € 21
• Children 5-15: € 16
• Children up to 4: Free
• Discounts apply to online tickets; see the Madame Tussauds web site for further information.

Get There

• By foot - Madame Tussauds is ten minutes by foot from Amsterdam Central Station. Head south on Damrak until Dam Square; the museum is on the southern border of the square.
• By tram - Line 1, 2, 5, 17 or 20 to "Magna Plaza/Dam", or line 4, 9, 16, 20, 24 or 25 to "Bijenkorf/Dam".

More Information

Visit the Madame Tussauds web site.