Musée Grevin (Paris Wax Museum)

The Musee Grevin, also known as the Paris wax museum, may be one of the best ways for children to experience Parisian history.  You will find yourself transported back in time as you and your family stroll through this museum full of life-like replicas and ornate historical exhibits.

History

Musee Grevin, also known as the Paris wax museum, was founded by Arthur Meyer in 1882. Meyer was a journalist and the founder of the French newspaper Le Gaulois. He commissioned French cartoonist Alfred Grevin to create the earliest wax sculptures, and he played such a large role in developing the museum’s atmosphere that it was eventually named for him. The museum was a huge success during its first year, and wealthy investor Gabriel Thomas was attracted to invest in the site by adding the now beloved Grevin Theater and the Hall of Mirrors for which the museum is also well known.

Concept

As a journalist, Meyer was fascinated by the notion that ordinary French citizens read about famous figures in the newspaper every day, but had no idea what they looked like. In an age before photography had become popularized in all syndicated publications, Meyer thought the museum would be a clever way to draw in Parisians, finally showing them the faces of the people they read about every day. Originally intended to educate adults, the concept has become extremely popular with children, providing an exciting and entertaining environment for them to learn about important figures in France's history.

Today, a team of artists work full time for the museum, creating new additions to the Grevin family annually. Sculptors render clay models from photographs or real life models and use the models to create a plaster mold. The mold is then filled with a combination of wax and resin. Glass eyes, real hair, and professional dentistry are implanted for a touch of reality. Make-up artists and painters bring the faces to life with oil paints and professional costume designers finish the look.

Atmosphere

Visiting the Musee Grevin is like being transported back in time. It still retains the opulent furnishings and décor of the 19^th century, giving the museum an authentic air that is a challenge to maintain. The “Tout Paris” theater is immaculately maintained and gives visitors the feeling that they are walking into a 19^th century theater to mingle with the stars. Particularly popular with the children, this is a great opportunity to expose them to 19th century culture, dress, and etiquette.

Downstairs in the Café Grevin, waiters serve the visitors in character, as if they were plucked directly from a café at the museum’s opening in 1882.

Exhibitions

The wax sculptures at the Musee Gravin pay tribute to historical as well as modern celebrities. Notorious French king Louis XIV smiles alongside notorious French President Charles De Gaulle and modern day Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy. Canadian songbird Celine Dion stands with the late, great Michael Jackson, while Barack Obama and George Clooney charm every visitor to the Musee Grevin. Snapping pictures with your favorite characters is roundly encouraged.

Hours of Operation

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Hours are extended substantially during the summer, so check their website if you’re hoping to visit on a summer evening.

Prices may vary for adults, and there are discounts for children, students, and seniors.

Neighborhood

The Musee Grevin is located in the 2^nd Arrondissement, making it a central point in the city from which to continue your sightseeing on the right bank.

Walking a few blocks east into the 8^th and 9^th Arrondissement will bring you to the chic Opera District and the opulent Palais Garnier. Continue south along Rue de la Paix and you’ll find yourself immersed in the exceedingly Parisian atmosphere of the Jardin des Tuileries. Here, children can sail boats in the garden stream or ride the seasonal carousel. Turn left to get in line at the Louvre, or turn right to continue walking along the historic axis that traverses the Place de la Concorde and Champs Elysees before arriving at the Arc de Triomphe.

Getting There

The easiest was to reach the Musee Grevin is via the Paris Metro. Take lines 8 or 9 to Richelieu Drouot or Grand Boulevards to arrive one block from the museum.

Book a Paris Hotel today!