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An Inside Look at

Madame Tussauds Orlando Teacher Resource Guide

Contents

Introduction…………….….…………….……1

Background Information.….…...............2-4

Student Activities…………….................5-10

Answer Key……………………………………11

Education Standards…..……….................12

Educational Objectives

Understand the history behind

Madame Tussaud during the French

Revolution

Analyze the importance of key

historical figures

Gain an inside look into the

painstaking artistry used to create our

life-like figures

Learn the techniques utilized to

capture the personality of our subjects

Compare the effectiveness of different

forms of artistic expression

Put your newfound knowledge to the

test when creating your own artwork!

Welcome to

Madame Tussauds Orlando!

Arrival and Entry

Please allow ample time for parking and obtaining

tickets. To book an onsite workshop, please contact

our call center at 866-228-6444. Workshops must be

booked in advance.

Safety

To have the best adventure possible, please abide

by all safety precautions posted and given by our

staff. If you have any questions during your

experience, please speak to any member of our

team.

Additional Information

For information on Madame Tussauds Orlando and

our education programs, visit

www.MadameTussauds.com/Orlando

Directions

We are conveniently located at I-Drive 360. Please use

our east entrance found on Universal Boulevard.

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FUN FACT

Each Madame Tussauds wax figure takes about 3 to 4 months

to create!

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History of Madame Tussaud

Learn more about the lady behind the world famous

attraction

1761: Marie Grosholtz, later known as Madame Tussaud, is born in

Strasbourg, France.

1770s: Marie learns to model wax likenesses under the tutelage of her

mentor, Dr. Philippe Curtius.

1776: The British colonies in America declare their independence. This

provides the French people, many of whom were living in poverty, with

inspiration and hope.

1777: Marie makes a model of the famous writer and philosopher

Francois-Marie Arouet Voltaire.

1780: Marie becomes art teacher of Louis XVI’s sister and goes to live at

the Royal Court in Versailles.

1789: Marie returns to Paris. The French Revolution begins, causing

social and political upheaval. Together with Curtius, she makes

impressions of the heads of executed people – including some of the

Revolution’s most infamous dead such as King Louis XVI, Marie

Antoinette, and Robespierre.

1794: Marie Grosholtz inherits Curtius’ collection of figures.

1795: She marries engineer François Tussaud, but leaves him eight

years later and goes on a tour of the British Isles with her collection.

1799: The French Revolution ends with army general Napoleon

Bonaparte taking power.

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History of Madame Tussaud

Learn more about the lady behind the world

famous attraction

1802: In the following 33 years, Marie leads the hardworking and demanding life of a travelling show woman. At a time

when news was communicated largely by word of mouth, Madame Tussauds’ exhibition was a kind of travelling

newspaper, providing insight into global events and bringing the ordinary public face-to-face with the people in the

headlines.

1835: Madame Tussaud moves into her future exhibition rooms “The Baker Street Bazaar” in Baker Street, London.

1846: Punch Magazine coins the term “Chamber of Horrors” for the room at Madame Tussauds in which victims of the

French Revolution are displayed.

1850: Madame Tussaud dies in her sleep at the age of 88.

1900’s: Thanks to the rapid growth of both popular tabloid press and public literacy, information about current events

was easily acquired. The attraction gradually, therefore, became less a source of direct news, than a commentary on

popular celebrity.

2015: Today, Madame Tussauds is bigger and better than ever, combining its diverse history with the relentless

glamour, intrigue and infamy of 21st century celebrity. There are currently 19 Madame Tussauds attractions around

the world in four continents. Madame Tussauds Orlando is the latest attraction, and features local, national and

international wax figures.

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Learn more about the artistry and history behind Madame Tussaud in our Authentic

History Room. You can even make your own wax hand!*

*at additional cost

*At additional cost

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The Figure Making Process

How do we create such lifelike figures?

1 The Sitting:

Calipers are used to take hundreds of

accurate measurements of the celebrity,

along with a library of reference shots.

The Sculptor:

This information is used to

create a clay model of both

the head and body. A steel

skeleton is made to replicate

the pose during the sitting.

Over 300 pounds of clay are

used during this process. The Mold:

A plaster mold, known as a “piece mold,”

is created with the clay head using fine

quality plaster to reproduce the surface

of the clay.

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3

Pouring the Wax:

A mixture of beeswax and

Japan wax is heated to 165°F

and poured into the plaster

mold. The wax is then left to

cool for the time it takes to

harden to a 5/8 inch

thickness. The liquid wax is

poured out, leaving the

“hollow” wax cast.

The Finish:

Eyes and teeth are positioned into the wax

head. Hair is inserted one by one into the

wax head. Oil-based paint is applied in

layers, creating a realistic skin color and

texture. The last step is accessories and

wardrobe; then the figure is ready to debut!

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1) Imagine you are managing the Madame Tussauds attraction. What skills and qualifications would

you look for before hiring a potential wax figure artist? How would you assess those skills?

(VA.68.F.2.1)

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Investigating Portraiture

Artistic Terms and Techniques

Armature: a metal framework on which a sculpture is molded with clay or similar

material

Calipers: a device used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an

object

Mold: a hollow form used for shaping a fluid substance, often in separate pieces

Portraiture: A portrait is a likeness of a person in any medium. A portrait can be a

painting, a photograph, a sculpture, or any other artistic representation of a

person. The wax figures in Madame Tussauds are portraits. The face is usually the

focal point of a portrait, but some can be torsos, busts or life-size, like the wax

figures that you see in Madame Tussauds. The aim of portraiture is to capture its

subject’s likeness; what they look like, their social standing and personality and

even their mood.

Take a close look at these wax figures in our History and Leaders area. What do you think the poses and

costumes of the Madame Tussauds wax figures below tell us about the subjects? Why might we have

chosen to capture a moment in time and immortalize these subjects in wax? (VA.68.H.1.1; VA.912.H.2.3;

VA.912.C.3.5)

a) b) c)

a)

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b)

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c)

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__

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Investigating Portraiture

The Importance of Observation in Portraiture

In order to produce a realistic portrait, it is important to observe your subject closely.

At Madame Tussauds, the wax figures are usually the result of one or more sittings. Our sculptors take precise

measurements of the celebrity with a tape measure and calipers, and take photographs from every angle. During

the sitting, the sculptors also make observations that will help the sculpture reflect the celebrity’s personality.

When a sitting is not possible (for example, when they are famous characters from history!) our sculptors have to

work from research using paintings, drawings, photographs and historical facts to create the wax figure.

Look at these wax portraits of subjects featured at Madame Tussauds Orlando. Which of them do you

think was sculpted following real-life observations during a sitting, and which from research? Explain

each response. (SS.6.W.1.1; VA.912.H.2.3; VA.912.C.3.5)

a) b) c) d)

a) Marie Tussaud

b) Martin Luther King, Jr.

c) Albert Einstein

d) Beyoncé

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Analyzing Depiction &

Symbolism

1). As you walk through the attraction, carefully examine the backgrounds behind our wax

figures. Many display distinct symbolism that reflects that person’s personality or

significant contributions. Choose one of our figures and describe what symbolism you

recognize and its significance to that person’s life. (SS.7.C.2.1.1; VA.912.H.1.1; VA.912.C.3.5)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2). Choose one of the historical figures whose likeness has been immortalized by Madame

Tussauds. Imagine this person was transported to the present day and brought to the

attraction. Write a short story describing how you think they would react to seeing their

image portrayed in wax. Would they be happy with their depiction? Would they wish to be

portrayed differently? (SS.8.G.6.2)

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Timeline Construction

January 1863 – Lincoln signs the

Emancipation Proclamation, decreeing

all slaves in Confederate areas to be

“forever free.”

July 1969 – Neil Armstrong becomes

the first man to set foot on the moon

and states, “That’s one small step for

man, one giant leap for mankind.”

November 1915 – Albert Einstein

completes his general theory of

relativity and submits it for publication

August 1963 – Martin Luther King, Jr.

gives his “I have a Dream” speech on

the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in

Washington, D.C.

March 1513 – Ponce de Leon lands on

Florida’s east coast and claims it for

Spain

November 2008 – Barack Obama is

elected the 44th

President of the United

States

A

B

B

C

D

A

E

F

Below is a list of important events in the lives of several of our figures. Place each event on

the linear timeline below in the correct chronological order. You may use the letter

provided or write out the description. (SS.6.W.1.1)

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Pose, costume and background in portraits

The pose of a subject in a portrait, items in the background, and what they are wearing or

holding can tell us a lot about them.

Historic portraits can be particularly interesting. They can reveal a lot about how people

lived, for example what their belief systems were, and what was in fashion at the time.

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The Process of Portraiture

Photograph

Real-Life

2. Which was the easiest? Which sketch looks more like your subject? You may even want to ask a

classmate for their viewpoint. (VA.68.C.2.3; VA.68.C.1.2; VA.912.s.2.5)

If you are going to be creating a portrait, keep notes on your subject. What do they wear? What do they do with their

hair? What are their interests? What are your feelings about them? What do you think they are feeling? All these things

will help you produce a portrait with lots of life in it.

Sketch It!

1. Sketch somebody you know from a photograph (hint: you can use your phone!) and then ask one of your

classmates to pose for you and sketch them from real-life. For an extra challenge, transform these sketches into

3-D sculptures!

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Analyzing Expression

Sculpture or Portraiture?

There are many ways to depict a person through art, but which kind is better? Working in partners or small

groups, debate which art form: sculpture or portraiture provides a better understanding of the individual. Use

specific references to actual works or art to make your point, and record your responses below. (VA.912.O.1.2)

Sculpture Portraiture Reason: Supporting Evidence Reason: Supporting Evidence

Expression Throughout History

Throughout history, people have used different ways to express themselves. Choose one modern day wax figure

in Madame Tussauds that you are familiar with, then compare and contrast his or her characteristics to the

given historical wax figures in the attraction. (VA.912.H.2.3)

Modern day wax figure name (your choice) ________________________________________________________

Figure Name Hair Style Clothing Historical

Significance Ponce de Leon

Similarities:

Differences:

Similarities:

Differences:

Similarities:

Differences:

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Similarities:

Differences:

Similarities:

Differences:

Similarities:

Differences:

Abraham Lincoln

Similarities:

Differences:

Similarities:

Differences:

Similarities:

Differences:

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Sample Responses:

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a). Neil Armstrong was immortalized because he was first person to walk the moon, a major feat for both the America

and the world. Some noteworthy features of his figure includes his tall posture, space suit, and the American Flag, all

of which demonstrate his pride over accomplishing this amazing feat.

b). We chose to immortalize Barack Obama because he is the current President of the United States. He is also notable

for being the first African American president. He is posed in the Oval Office standing tall with his arms crossed and a

large smile. This pose showcases his confidence, as well as his charismatic personality.

c). Abraham Lincoln is immortalized at Madame Tussauds Orlando for his vital role in preserving the Union during the

Civil War and for abolishing slavery as President of the United States. He is captured in a heroic moment, about to sign

the Emancipation Proclamation, the document which helped end slavery. His face is serious, yet friendly and caring.

He may have been posed sitting because Madame Tussauds studio artists used photos of him seated to research how

to best depict his likeness.

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a). Marie Tussaud’s wax figure was sculpted using research, as she passed away in 1850, prior to the making of her

current wax figure.

b). Martin Luther King Jr. was sculpted using research, as the first figure was made after his assassination on April 4,

1968.

c). Albert Einstein was sculpted using research.

d). Beyoncé was sculpted using real-life observations in a sitting. You can see the making of her wax figure in this

video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JijI3Ace6tI

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Chronological order: C, A, E, D, B, F

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Student answers will vary, accept any reasonable answers.

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GRADES 6-8 Relevant standards include:

(VA.68.C.1.2) Use visual evidence and prior knowledge to reflect on multiple interpretations of works of art

field.

(VA.68.F.2.1) Investigate career opportunities available in the visual arts to determine requisite skills and

qualifications for each.

(VA.68.C.2.3) Examine artworks to form ideas and criteria by which to judge/assess and inspire personal

works and artistic growth.

(VA.68.H.2.3) Describe the rationale for creating, collecting, exhibiting, and owning works of art.

(SS.6.W.1.1) Use timelines to identify chronological order of historical events.

(SS.7.C.2.11) Analyze media and political communications (bias, symbolism, propaganda).

(SS.8.G.6.2) Illustrate places and events in U.S. history through the use of narratives and graphic

representations.

GRADES 9-12 Relevant standards include:

( VA.912.C.3.5) Make connections between timelines in other content areas and timelines in the visual arts.

( VA.912.S.1.4) Demonstrate effective and accurate use of art vocabulary throughout the art-making

process.

(VA. 912.H.1.1) Analyze the impact of social, ecological, economic, religious, and/or political issues on the

function or meaning of the artwork.

(VA.912.H.2.3) Analyze historical or cultural references in commemorative works of art to identify the

significance of the event or person portrayed.

The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

Florida State Education

Standards

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