Travel Blog

28 Mar

Superstars and LGBT icons at Grévin Montréal wax museum

Big crowds are lining up to check out the 120 life-like wax mannequins, of such international superstars as Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson and Montréal’s very own Celine Dion at the Grévin Montréal wax museum.

Celine_Dion

The museum also boasts a large contingent of LGBT icons, such as bisexual entertainers Angelina Jolie and Lady Gaga, gay pop stars Elton John and Mika, and the self-proclaimed biggest diva of them all, Montréal drag legend Mado La Motte.

Elton

“It’s like a Barbie doll dream come true!” says Mado. “I didn’t believe it until they started taking measurements of my body. I have to admit the result is astonishing. It’s flattering and pretentious to have a statue of yourself, but I love it!”

Mado

Grévin Montréal Communications Director Sabrina Merceron says, “Mado Lamotte is an LGBT icon in Montréal. When talks about who should be at Grévin Montréal were initiated, Mado was on our very first list because she’s a major figure on the Montréal cultural scene.”

The original Grévin Paris museum opened in 1882 and Grévin Montréal is the brand’s first international venture outside of France. Located on the 5th floor of the downtown Montréal Eaton Centre, Grévin Montréal covers over 2,000 square metres (20,000 square feet). The celebrities, sports stars and historical figures – everybody from Jacques Cartier (the French explorer who “discovered” Canada for France) to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau – are displayed in elaborate and detailed sets designed by the France-Québec team of Dick Walsh and Julien Bertevas, and each Grévin celebrity was created in Paris workshops.

Mika

While the 120 celebrities and historical figures at Grévin Montréal will interest everybody, some – like legendary gay artist Andy Warhol – have special resonance with LGBT people.

“The Grévin Museum is about openness and inclusiveness, so it’s crucial for us to be able to feature famous characters of the LGBT communities since they are a foundation of our society like any other specific community or group,” says Merceron.

The museum is also full of accessories that visitors can wear when posing for photos with their favourite wax figures.  “The Grévin Museum tour is aimed at making sure visitors have fun and learn something when they come here,” says Merceron. “It’s fun and glamourous, and make sure to bring a camera!”

The Grévin Montréal wax museum is located on the 5th floor of the Montréal Eaton Centre (705 Sainte-Catherine Street West), and is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ticket counter closes an hour before closing time). Grévin Montréal recommends 90 minutes for your visit. Tickets and info: http://www.grevin-montreal.com/en

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