1.     History of the Grévin Museum

The Grevin Museum was created by Artur Mayer, the editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper ‘Le Gaulois’, and Alfred Grevin, the art director. Mayer wanted to introduce people on the front page of ‘Le Gaulois’ as real objects, not just as photographs. This led Mayer to open the Grevin Museum in Paris in June 1882, together with Grevin, the father of the sculptor, cartoonist, and costume designer. Later, an investment by Gabriel Thomas, who ran the Eiffel Tower and several theaters, enabled the Grevin Museum to continue its reputation until now. In 2012, the Grevin Museum in Paris celebrated its 130th anniversary. In 2015, after expanding to Montreal and Prague, the Grevin Museum opened in Seoul. The Grevin Museum is still gaining popularity all over the world.

2.     How Are the Dolls Made?

The dolls displayed at the Grevin Museum are called wax figures. These life-like wax figures resemble real people so convincingly they can be confused with a real person. To make the wax figures of the Grevin Museum, a dramatic realism technique is used to make them just like real people. Artists from a total of 15 fields, including prosthetists, hair transplanters, and professional make-up artists, work together, taking at least six months to complete each wax figure.

           First of all, there is a discussion on which figure to make into a wax doll. At the time, they do not choose any celebrity or pose and facial expressions. They do so through long consultation. Afterward the actual body size of the selected person is measured directly and the clay is carved. It is said that about 100kg of wax is used every year. After making the overall frame, they start making dental models, and then transplant about 500,000 human hairs for each wax figure. When the hair is finished, the faces are expressed with oil paints and they are dressed in costumes. In the case of costumes, clothes worn by real figures are donated, or in the case of historical figures, they are made too. After all these steps, completed dolls are given daily styling corrections and careful care.

3.     Celebrities We Can See in the Grévin Seoul

There are many figures of famous people in the Grevin Museum, and they are displayed according to several themes. As we enter, we can see male actors representing Korea, such as Jang Dong-gun and Kwon Sang-woo, standing on the red carpet in front of countless reporters. Further, we can see Hollywood actors filming on the set. Various scenes such as George Clooney and Brad Pitt playing games at the casino, Bruce Willis in front of the burning set, and Steven Spielberg, director of E.T. flying in the sky on a bicycle, make viewers feel as if they are inside the movies. Passing by these actors, there are also people who represent the History of Korea. Later, other themes appear, such as a school with Steve Jobs and Einstein and a plane carrying world leaders such as Donald Trump and Ban Ki-moon. In one space, filled with soccer fields, golf fields, and basketball courts, world-famous athletes are portrayed in dynamic poses, making viewers think they are at a real game. Included among the athletes are Kim Yu-na, the queen of figure skating and Korean soccer star Park Ji-sung. In addition, we can find spaces reminiscent of various attractions of Paris, as well as a variety of celebrities in backgrounds such as beauty salons and fashion studios.

4.     Interesting Attractions

Not only can we see the wax figures, but we can also experience lots of attractions. There are experience booths for each theme, and we can try out them by scanning the barcode on the ticket. In casinos with George Clooney and Brad Pitt, we can enjoy roulette games and attend a school with Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein and take a variety of quizzes. They will all be more fun since they can be played with other visitors. We can also experience flight simulations on airplanes carrying world leaders. It feels like flying a plane with a real president on board, so you might be nervous though it is just a game.

It is possible to see how wax figures are made with your own eyes too. Dolls that are half-painted and dolls that only have frames help visitors understand the procedure. Also, the video detailing the process is turned on, so you can take a break while watching the video. The booth offers an experience of making yourself into a wax figure. Even though you only can see it through the screen, you will find it amazing to see the wax figure that looks just like you. Moreover, there is a booth where you can express yourself as a pop artist. In that moment, you will look just like a portrait by Andy Warhol.

 

It is very exciting just like imagining a meeting with your favorite celebrity. In addition, since it is not even possible to meet historical figures from the past, meeting these celebrities is possible only at the Grevin Museum. Since it is hard to meet real stars, why don't you visit the Grevin Seoul and take pictures with them and find out more about them? By meeting them, you will be able to enjoy a variety of different experiences and have a lot of fun.

Dates: Everyday

Location: The Grevin Seoul

Time: Everyday 9:30~19:00 (Entrance ends at 18:15)

Ticket Prices: 18,000 won (13,000 won for students)

Contact: 02 777 4700