LONDON WAX MUSEUM

St. Petersburg Beach, Florida

OPENED: March 2, 1963  -  CLOSED: January 15, 1989

Tussaud's London Wax Museum opened its doors to the public on a beautiful March day in 1963. Located at 5505 Gulf Boulevard, in the heart of stunning St. Petersburg Beach, Florida the attraction quickly became one of the most popular sights along Florida's Gulf Coast. The museum was a huge success and would feature more than 120 life-sized wax figures in fancy elaborate scenes portraying the famed of History, Horrors and Hollywood.

The London Wax Museum was originally developed and opened by T. Alec Rigby, a Canadian partner in the Ripley's Believe it or Not! museums, and the man behind the Louis Tussaud's English Wax Museums in Atlantic City and Niagara Falls. 

Opening with a collection of "Josephine Tussaud Wax Figures" (produced by GEM's of London) the collection was very similar to several other museums opened under the "London Wax Museum" (ie. Royal Wax Museum, Royal London Wax Museum, Royal Pacific....etc.) brand. 

OF SPECIAL NOTE: eventually the museum would be rebranded as LOUIS TUSSAUD'S LONDON WAX MUSEUM and would fall under the banner of Ripley's International. Many new figures (not featured in this particular guidebook) were created by the legendary studio of STUBERGH WAX FIGURES and installed. But that would only last a few short years.

In 1978, John "Ted" Stambaugh, the town's former mayor, bought the museum from the Ripley's Corporation. He tried to update the museum by adding figures of Rambo, Freddy Krueger and Michael Jackson (created by artists Peter Carsillo and David Cellitti, respectively). Despite numbers slowing due to the pull of tourists to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and (the recently opened) EPCOT Center, the museum still was doing well. 

But development was in the air in St. Pete Beach (they dropped the "rsburg" in 1994). Sadly, it would lead to the unplanned and unexpected closure of this spectacular place.

It had been announced in the Fall of 1988 that the London Wax Museum would close at the beginning of the next year so the property could be redeveloped as the BAYSIDE VILLAGE MARKETPLACE. The plans called for a new version of the wax museum to open as the major anchor of this new concept. But after months and month of delays, mainly over the recreation of the Wax Museum's iconic "Big Ben" sign, the beautiful Gulf Coast winds were blown from Ted Stambaugh's sails.

The London Wax Museum was closed and would never open again. 

Eventually he would sell a vast majority of the collection to the White family, which at that time had recently bought most of Potter's Wax Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. The combination of those two collections (plus a few new figures added here and there) now make up what can currently be seen in "America's Oldest City" at Potter's Wax Museum.

Here for your enjoyment is shared a vintage LONDON WAX MUSEUM Guidebook, courtesy of the personal collection of Timothy Randall.

(click the pictures for full-sized High Definition images)

Enjoy this trip through time and down memory lane? Want to see some of what was once on display at the sadly closed LONDON WAX MUSEUM? Well, Hemingway, Hitler and Honest Abe can be seen at POTTER'S WAX MUSEUM and Al Capone and his Gangster Friends are stirring up trouble at the AMERICAN PROHIBITION MUSEUM in Savannah, Georgia. Just tell them WAXIPEDIA sent you!

                  

(Hemingway THEN and NOW)

 Want even more daily fun and excitement? Then why don't you join WAXIPEDIA's always exciting FACEBOOK GROUP!

Dedicated to preserving the history of Wax Arts, and the unique stories of all those involved in its development, WAXIPEDIA strives to be the number one source of information on the subject of Wax Museums and their role in the attractions and entertainment industries. Through the sharing of photographs, brochures, movies and stories we hope to enlighten, engage and entertain all who discover us. 

As a resource, the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES was established in 2014 as a repository for physical examples and information pertaining to these educational goals. Consisting of thousands of items (ranging from century-and-a-half year old guidebooks to life-sized wax figures) the ARCHIVES are the backbone of WAXIPEDIA's mission. Anyone interested in supporting these efforts through donating are encouraged to visit patreon.com/WAXIPEDIA and contact us at waxipediaofficial@gmail.com. Items donated will be digitally scanned, photographed and eventually restored to be credited to their specific donors and made available to future generations of artists, designers, historians and fans. 

~ Thank You ~

WAX WORLD OF THE STARS

~ Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin ~

Who doesn't love a little 1980's nostalgia (with the exception of Bill Cosby, of course) compliments of this awesome brochure from Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin's WAX WORLD OF THE STARS?

This museum had its original incarnation as the ROYAL WAX MUSEUM along the cities famous Broadway tourist corridor. Eventually that museum, and it's collection, were taken over by Norm Rollingston - ironically the designer of the museum (and many others in the "ROYAL" chain of Wax Museums that used "Josephine Tussaud" Wax Figures. 

In 1986, Norman decided to modernize the museum and switched the concept focusing more on the likes of movie stars and celebrities. Gone were England's King Henry VIII and President Jimmy Carter and in were Dolly Parton, The Three Stooges and Darth Vader!

                   

But eventually the early 2000's happened and it was decided to replace the vulnerable wax museum with a highly themed interactive 'Wizard & Fantasy' based attraction called WIZARD QUEST.

Ironically, though. What was Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin's loss was Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada's gain! A majority of the collection was leased (and laster sold) to the owner of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium franchise in the stunning Atlantic provence town of Cavendish - known from "Anne of Green Gables" fame. 

(this Photograph is taken from the Mariner's Cove Boardwalk's Facebook Page)

So, in a way, the "cast" of WAX WORLD OF THE STARS was "RECAST" in a revival of WAX WORLD OF THE STARS!!

Here for your enjoyment is shared a vintage brochure from WAX WORLD OF THE STARS, from the personal collection of Timothy Randall.

(click the pictures for full-sized High Definition images)

Enjoy this trip through time? Why not visit some of your old friends at the current incarnation of WAX WORLD OF THE STARS located in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada? Just tell them WAXIPEDIA sent you!

 Or if you want more daily fun and excitement join WAXIPEDIA's always exciting FACEBOOK GROUP!

Dedicated to preserving the history of Wax Arts, and the unique stories of all those involved in its development, WAXIPEDIA strives to be the number one source of information on the subject of Wax Museums and their role in the attractions and entertainment industries. Through the sharing of photographs, brochures, movies and stories we hope to enlighten, engage and entertain all who discover us. 

As a resource, the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES was established in 2014 as a repository for physical examples and information pertaining to these educational goals. Consisting of thousands of items (ranging from century-and-a-half year old guidebooks to life-sized wax figures) the ARCHIVES are the backbone of WAXIPEDIA's mission. Anyone interested in supporting these efforts through donating are encouraged to visit patreon.com/WAXIPEDIA and contact us at waxipediaofficial@gmail.com. Items donated will be digitally scanned, photographed and eventually restored to be credited to their specific donors and made available to future generations of artists, designers, historians and fans. 

~ Thank You ~

GHOSTS OF DEADWOOD GULCH 

WAX MUSEUM - FOR SALE

~ Deadwood, South Dakota ~

WAX MUSEUM FOR SALE:

THE GHOSTS OF DEADWOOD GULCH WAX MUSEUM was organized and put together by several prominent Deadwood historians in the late 1950's. It consists of an eclectic rare collection of French made wax figures with era appropriate jointed mannequins in historically accurate costumes. Scenes consist of early Native Americans of the Black Hills, the 1876 Gold Rush and the killing of Wild Bill Hickok. The scenes and set pieces have many period era antiques of historical significance. 

The museum dialogue tour system was converted to a digital system in 1997 and the original reel-to-reel soundtrack is available. 

ASKING PRICE: $225,000

(click the pictures for full-sized High Definition images)

Enjoy this trip through time? Why not buy this wax museum? Just tell them WAXIPEDIA sent you!

 Or if you want more daily fun and excitement join WAXIPEDIA's always exciting FACEBOOK GROUP!

Dedicated to preserving the history of Wax Arts, and the unique stories of all those involved in its development, WAXIPEDIA strives to be the number one source of information on the subject of Wax Museums and their role in the attractions and entertainment industries. Through the sharing of photographs, brochures, movies and stories we hope to enlighten, engage and entertain all who discover us. 

As a resource, the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES was established in 2014 as a repository for physical examples and information pertaining to these educational goals. Consisting of thousands of items (ranging from century-and-a-half year old guidebooks to life-sized wax figures) the ARCHIVES are the backbone of WAXIPEDIA's mission. Anyone interested in supporting these efforts through donating are encouraged to visit patreon.com/WAXIPEDIA and contact us at waxipediaofficial@gmail.com. Items donated will be digitally scanned, photographed and eventually restored to be credited to their specific donors and made available to future generations of artists, designers, historians and fans. 

~ Thank You ~

The "NEW" Gunfighters Wax Museum

~ Dodge City, Kansas, USA ~

In 1957, Dodge City, Kansas photographer Larry Yost did something unexpected.

While visiting a traveling carnival that had taken up residency nearby, he became intrigued with a display of a half-dozen Wild West wax figures on display. The second floor of his photography studio, at 603 Fifth Ave, was vacant and eventually Mr. Yost did what any rational person would do: he went back to the fair, bought the wax outlaws and started what was to become "THE MIDWEST'S FAMOUS GUNFIGHTERS WAX MUSEUM". 

He would eventually commission enough artists to fill the halls of his waxen world and then opened his dream! Wyatt Earp, Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill and some of the cast of the (then) hit television show GUNSMOKE were all there, as were the likes of Dracula and the Wolfman and Presidents Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. 

What did monsters and Presidents have to do with Gunfighters and the old west, you might ask? Well, in an 1985 interview with the Dodge City Daily Globe, Larry made that very clear; "There's no real reason..."

In 1982 Larry Yost sold the building to the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, who (to their immense credit) have kept it operating ever since as a duel attraction. Educators of note and merit on the first floor and a decapitated outlaw and outlaws and murders on the second - both included in a single admission price!

The Wax Museum has remained opened to the public virtually unchanged from how it appeared in the very early 10960s. When so many wan museums have closed over the years, this little one keeps meeting on Main Street at high noon, takes ten paces, turns and shoots to live another day!

Here for your enjoyment is shared a vintage, brochure guide for THE MIDWEST'S FAMOUS GUNFIGHTERS WAX MUSEUM, courtesy of the personal collection of Timothy Randall.

(click the pictures for full-sized High Definition images)

Enjoy this trip through time? Why not visit the GUNFIGHTERS WAX MUSEUM next time you're in Dodge City, Kansas? Just tell them WAXIPEDIA sent you!

 Or if you want more daily fun and excitement join WAXIPEDIA's always exciting FACEBOOK GROUP!

Dedicated to preserving the history of Wax Arts, and the unique stories of all those involved in its development, WAXIPEDIA strives to be the number one source of information on the subject of Wax Museums and their role in the attractions and entertainment industries. Through the sharing of photographs, brochures, movies and stories we hope to enlighten, engage and entertain all who discover us. 

As a resource, the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES was established in 2014 as a repository for physical examples and information pertaining to these educational goals. Consisting of thousands of items (ranging from century-and-a-half year old guidebooks to life-sized wax figures) the ARCHIVES are the backbone of WAXIPEDIA's mission. Anyone interested in supporting these efforts through donating are encouraged to visit patreon.com/WAXIPEDIA and contact us at waxipediaofficial@gmail.com. Items donated will be digitally scanned, photographed and eventually restored to be credited to their specific donors and made available to future generations of artists, designers, historians and fans. 

~ Thank You ~

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM

Copenhagen, Denmark

(photograph taken by Paolo Peggi)

Guinness World Record attractions have always been a fascinating endeavor to me because, despite the fact that many people know WHAT the Guinness Book of World Records is, the brick-and-mortar ventures have always had a little bit of an identity crisis.

Is it traditional with historical displays lining the walls, a science center, waxworks or interactive Children's museum? Or is it just a knock off Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium (the parent company of which now also owns and runs most of the Guinness licensed attractions)? Can it be all of the above at the same time? Or can it be any single type without being the others?

That's always been the challenge. For the last 20 years or so the museums have tried (to varying success) to be a little bit of everything at once. As I write this there are Guinness World Record attractions in the United States (Hollywood, San Antonio, Gatlinburg), Canada (Niagara Falls) and Denmark (Copenhagen). Branches in Myrtle Beach, Branson, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, San Francisco, Las Vegas, London and Tokyo have all closed. 

As time goes on so does the Guinness brand. As recently as 2017 they have started renovating into "NEW" adventure based attractions where interactives are the heavy emphasis. 

But it will take time to see if this will be the answer to the question "What record breaking formula will Guinness attractions need to catch, and keep, the public's interest?" Until then enjoy the wax figures, the robots and display cases filled with the biggest, smallest, strangest and most amazing of everything (and anything) the world has to offer!

With all that said, enjoy this early 2000s tri-fold brochure for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM located on the bustling Strøget shopping street in picturesque Copenhagen, Denmark. 

 (a brochure from the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM - Copenhagen, Denmark)

 (a brochure from the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM - Copenhagen, Denmark)

Dedicated to preserving the history of Wax Arts, and the unique stories of all those involved in its development, WAXIPEDIA strives to become the ultimate source of information on the subject of wax museums.  Anyone interested in donating items for preservation are invited to contact me at timothywrandall@gmail.com. Donated items will be cataloged, digitally scanned, photographed, and restored.  All donated items will be credited to their specific donors and will be preserved and made available to future generations of artists, designers, historians and fans.

GUINNESS HALL OF WORLD RECORDS

Gatlinburg, Tennessee - 1979

There has been an attraction based on the record breaking GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS in the Great Smoky Mountains town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee for decades. 

Until recently it was filled with exhibits of great feats. The largest, smallest, fastest, tallest were all there and displays showed off - to the education (and amusement) of visitors - those that deserved to be known as 'record breakers.'

 (brochure for the 1979 season from the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES)

(brochure for the 1979 season from the WAXIPEDIA ARCHIVES)

(an advertisement for the 2017 season from Ripley Entertainment)

Dedicated to preserving the history of Wax Arts, and the unique stories of all those involved in its development, WAXIPEDIA strives to become the ultimate source of information on the subject of wax museums.  Anyone interested in donating items for preservation are invited to contact me at timothywrandall@gmail.com. Donated items will be cataloged, digitally scanned, photographed, and restored.  All donated items will be credited to their specific donors and will be preserved and made available to future generations of artists, designers, historians and fans.

ROYALS at MADAME TUSSAUDS CHONGQING

These are the studio shots (from the fine folks over at Merlin Magic Makers) for Madame Tussauds Chongqing. The attractions was the 5th of its kind in China and opened in September 2016 with a little more than 50 wax figures on display.

 Prince William (compliments of Merlin Magic Makers)

 Princess Kate (compliments of Merlin Magic Makers)

Dedicated to preserving the history of Wax Arts, and the unique stories of all those involved in its development, WAXIPEDIA strives to become the ultimate source of information on the subject of wax museums.  Anyone interested in donating items for preservation are invited to contact me at timothywrandall@gmail.com. Donated items will be cataloged, digitally scanned, photographed, and restored.  All donated items will be credited to their specific donors and will be preserved and made available to future generations of artists, designers, historians and fans.