Photographing wax celebrities and historical figures at Madame Tussauds Singapore.
My second post featuring a Sentosa attraction in a fortnight. This time, one that I’ve never visited despite it being around for almost eight years.
Madame Tussauds Singapore! Singapore’s premier wax museum and a higher-class replacement, of sorts, for the old Images of Singapore/Surrender Chambers attraction. One of the country’s priciest museums as well, which is why I’ve never gone in. Frankly, I wouldn’t have visited yesterday, had I not had a Sentosa Fun Pass redeemed using SingapoRediscover Vouchers.
Here’s my overall take on the attraction too. I think the museum is fun, in an unapologetic, cheesy, hyper-touristy kind of way. On the flip side, and this might just be me being nonsensical, I enjoyed the historical statues way more than those of still alive famous personalities.
I don’t know, it just feels weird being so near some of those sports and movie stars, and modern politicians. A sensation somewhat bordering on invasion of privacy. Am I being silly? I don’t remember feeling this way when visiting the Hong Kong one in 2007.
“Using” the wax statues to practice portrait photography was enjoyable, though, which was why I went there, to begin with. Anyhow, my visit ended on a high note with the hugely entertaining Marvel Universe 4D show. This quirky superhero movie experience seems odd for a wax museum, but I guess it’s still in sync with the whole glamourous Hollywood/Bollywood theme of the attraction.
Madame Tussauds Singapore Photos
Pioneers of Singapore
Since Madame Tussauds Singapore has long been around, I wouldn’t bother with introducing the place, the various sections and themes, etc. I’ll just share the portrait pics I took.
One thing to highlight too, before I continue. The wax statues didn’t look that great on the small preview screen of my new D780. But it was a wholly different business when I viewed them using my desktop.
(I’m going to try converting the above picture into a faux oil portrait. It seems perfect for that purpose!)
About the above Chinese dude. He’s described as the businessman who popularised motion pictures in pre-war Singapore, as well as the one who built several iconic cinemas/theatres.
Based on that info, he should be Tan Cheng Kee. I surmised that based on this historical rundown by Bonny Tan.
The display doesn’t name him as that, though. Actually, I remember I read another Chinese name. One strangely alike to one of our current deputy prime ministers.
The stated location for Jubilee Theatre was also an Ang Mo Kio address, which implies there’s some sort of confusion between the historical theatre and Jubilee Cinema; the latter was built in the 80s.
Not sure what’s going on here, but I guess it doesn’t really matter. After all, the entire purpose for the theatre replica was a run-up to the Japanese occupation years.
(Sorry for this semi-rant. I feel a weird connection with the statue. I watch movies the same way as him)
Playing Photographer to the Famous and Rich!
A selection of my “celebrity pics” from the visit. I took way more than these, of course.
An Enchanting Side Trip: Magical Shores at Siloso Beach
After the visit, I headed over to Siloso Beach to check out the Magical Shores light-up.
The entire beachfront was packed! I also ended up not taking enough pictures to do a post, so I’ll just leave two here.
It was a relaxing way to end my excursion with.
Madame Tussauds Singapore is currently open from daily from 10 am to 6 pm. (Last entry at 5 pm). Check their website for details on the different ticket packages available.
Read my other Home Tourist photo essays.
