Kyiv Museum of Wax Figures

The first Way Museum in Ukraine

The wax museum of European standard was opened in the capital of Ukraine on the 1st of April 2010. Its counterparts are in London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Moscow and St. Petersburg. The first museum of this type appeared in London in 1835 which was founded by Frenchwoman Marie Tussaud. By that time there was only one room of wax figures in Paris, which belonged to the doctor Cartier and included only the private collection of the owner. The popularity of the exhibits brought one of Cartier’s pupils the idea to create an new museum, which would be open to the whole world. By creating an own collection of wax figures called “Death and tyrant” and long journeys to various fairs and art exhibitions everything started. After being forced to leave Paris after a change of government, which accused her of promoting revolution, Madam Merry went to London with her husband, where they opened their first museum, which became one of the most famous places in London. Manufacturing wax figures is a complex task and the first exhibits made by Madam Tussaud lasted only two years. And only after her death in 1850 her sons found a way to prepare the wax easily, this technique is still used. Today the Kyiv wax museum has 60 exhibits and is constantly expanding. The idea of founding it comes from Eugen Sazhin and his son. It occurred after a visit to the Museum of Wax Figures in Amsterdam in 1997. To create something similar in Ukraine was not easy. Because at that time there were neither the materials nor the experts for producing such works in the country. The color of the wax has to match the color of human skin and has to be both strong and flexible to maintain its properties at temperatures from -40°С to +40°С. Extraordinary skill requires the creation of the appropriate hairstyle and the make-up of the exhibits. And finally, after three years 20 works were presented in one of the exhibitions. They became the basis for the future of Kyiv’s wax museum. And in 2010 the museum finally opened in its own building with the exhibitions of 60 figures and became one of the greatest places in Kyiv. An experienced team of masters prepare the sculptures from wax for various museums and organizations. It is worth to mention that one more feature makes this museum exceptional; everyone can order an individual figure, of course these are not cheap. Today the Museum of Wax Figures is in the list of the most famous museums in Europe and considered one of the most popular places in Kyiv.

Tel:                        +38  (044) 353-47-41
Open:                     daily
Hours:                    from 11:00 tо 19:00
Admission:               for adult – UAN 25, for children – UAN 10
Location:                 29 Pobedy avenue, Kyiv