Madame Tussauds is a wax museum in London. It was founded by Marie Tussaud. Marie Tussaud was born as Marie Grosholtz in 1761 in Strasbourg, France.

Her mother worked for Philippe Curtius, who was a physician skilled in wax modelling. Curtius taught Tussaud the art of wax modelling.

Marie created her first wax sculpture in 1777. It was the sculpture of the famous author and philosopher, Francois Voltaire.

She married Francois Tussaud in 1795. In 1835 Marie Tussaud established an exhibition which later became a wax museum. The museum became a major tourist attraction in London.

Today's wax figures at Tussauds include historical and royal figures, film stars and famous athletes.