Want to get up close and personal with your favorite stars? Branson’s Hollywood Wax Museum, with interactive exhibits of TV and movie stars, makes it possible. Since opening in 1996, Branson’s museum has been a favorite of visitors. It’s hard to imagine that something so fantastic could get any better, but a $5 million summer renovation brought in “new star power and dynamic style,” according to Tej Sundher, grandson of the late Spoony Singh, founder of the original Hollywood Wax Museum in 1965.
Making star sightings even more realistic and exciting, the renovations brought in a new lineup of expertly sculpted celebrity wax figures set in open displays that allow you to take pictures and interact in a way that makes you feel like part of each great TV and movie moment. “The new improvements are designed to let visitors into the action and give them an entertaining experience that will forever be fodder for their Facebook pages,” Sundher said. “Some of the opportunities include getting inside Jeannie’s bottle (“I Dream of Jeannie”), riding aboard the Titanic, sitting with Forrest Gump, wrestling with Nacho Libre and singing for the American Idol judges.”
Snap a photo with Johnny Depp or Tom Cruise, follow Dorothy’s Yellow Brick Road, or even stand on the Starship Enterprise. Every detail is fine-tuned to enhance a figure’s lifelike qualities, from the veins on their hands to the individually punched hairs on their heads, faces and arms. Brush up on your film trivia with stops featuring interesting facts about many of the American Film Institute’s Top 100 films. A complement to your tour is the museum’s website (www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com/branson), where you can test your trivia skills and watch step-by-step how wax figures are sculpted.
“Our new exterior is really turning heads and adds a unique dimension to the Branson skyline,” Sundher added. Of course “Mt. Hollywood,” the most photographed landmark in the area, featuring the sculpted faces of John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Charlie Chaplin, will remain. “Just to the left of this landmark, you now see an enormous castle housing the two newest attractions in Branson,” revealed Sundher. “Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors gives you infinite ways to have fun, and Castle of Chaos is the first 5D horror film, ride and video game in one.”
You won’t want to miss this combination of stills, thrills and chills this season in Branson. All three attractions open at 8am daily and are located at 3030 West Hwy. 76 across the street from the Starlight Theater. |
