Madame Tussauds New York is a celebrity wax museum at 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, in Midtown Manhattan’s Times Square theater district, New York, United States of America. Its core attraction is close-up photography with lifelike figures rather than traditional glass-case displays. Spread across five floors, the attraction combines entertainment personalities, historical figures, and theatrical settings, making it particularly appealing to families, pop-culture fans, and travelers seeking an indoor activity.
What to Expect at Madame Tussauds New York
The galleries move between entertainment, fashion, politics, and fictional worlds. Current areas include Music, Glow Gala, Seasons of New York City, and Walk the Runway. Think of the visit as a sequence of photo opportunities rather than a chronological museum tour. Choose a few favorite personalities before arriving, but leave room for unexpected discoveries; groups can easily spend longer arranging photographs than actually walking between displays.
The attraction also offers Jumanji Safari Tours 4D Expedition and Jumanji Cobra Quest 7D, with inclusion depending on the ticket package. Compare experiences before paying rather than assuming every admission tier is identical. A behind-the-scenes tour is offered subject to operational availability; ask the host team on arrival. For visitors interested in the craft, that opportunity adds a useful counterpoint to the otherwise photo-led galleries.
- MARVEL Hall of Heroes: A superhero-themed stop for comic-book and movie fans.
- Warner Bros. Icons of Horror: A horror-focused area to consider before bringing easily frightened children.
- Star on Broadway: A theater-themed pairing with an actual Broadway performance later.
- Guest Star on the Tonight Show: A television-inspired setting for a different style of souvenir photograph.
- Sit in the Oval Office: A presidential setting that broadens the visit beyond entertainment celebrities.
Madame Tussauds New York at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Times Square / Midtown Manhattan; between Seventh and Eighth avenues |
| Operating Hours | The official site currently displays 10am–7pm; check its opening-hours calendar for your visit date. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Paid admission. Silver from $34 online, $44 walk-up; Gold from $39 online, $49 walk-up; Platinum from $54 online, $64 walk-up, per person. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | Allow 1.5–2.5 hours, including photographs. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal: A, C, E; Times Sq–42 St: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S. Paid Midtown garages nearby. |
| Official Website / Phone | Official tickets and visitor information; +1 212-512-9600 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Choose an opening-time weekday slot if you want to tackle favorite photo stops before the day gathers pace. Reserve through the official ticket page, comparing your selected date and package rather than relying solely on the advertised starting price. Keep your phone charged and leave breathing room before a Broadway curtain: a photography-heavy visit can overrun a tightly scheduled afternoon. Decide beforehand whether your group values extra experiences, digital photographs, or simply the main galleries.
The subway is generally more practical than driving into this busy stretch of 42nd Street. Use the Port Authority or Times Square stations, selecting an elevator-equipped entrance when needed. Inside, elevators connect the exhibition floors for wheelchair and stroller access; ask staff about any separate motion-experience requirements. Outside, expect busy crossings and crowded sidewalks. Pair the museum with Times Square, roughly five minutes away, Bryant Park, about 10–15 minutes east, or Hell’s Kitchen’s Ninth Avenue restaurants, around 10–15 minutes west and north.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I visit?
Opening is currently listed at 10am, but closing times should be checked for your chosen date. An opening-time visit is a practical choice when fitting the museum around lunch or an afternoon theater performance.
How much are tickets, and should I reserve?
Silver admission starts at $34 online versus $44 walk-up. Advance booking lets you compare available dates and packages before arriving. Select your preferred admission time and read the inclusions carefully.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1.5–2.5 hours. Keep the longer allowance for groups taking individual and group photographs, families moving at different speeds, or visitors adding extra experiences. Avoid scheduling your next reservation immediately afterward.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can focus on familiar personalities and skip horror content if necessary. Elevators provide access between exhibition floors for wheelchair users and strollers. Check individual motion-experience restrictions with staff rather than treating gallery accessibility as ride eligibility.
When planning your New York travel guide or browsing verified attractions in New York, pair this stop with standout local spots including Brookfield Place, Riverside Park, Via Carota, and The Ride NYC (nearby).
