Wax Museum Barcelona: Has Its Charm
I have always seen a particular dimension of horror in wax museums. Maybe because these figures have a scary side, with their glazed expression, high level of accuracy, and the fact that they stand in holiday silence. As a result of the feeling that any such character can come to life at any second, as sometimes happens in the stupid stunt videos that come to YouTube or horror movies. Even if you haven’t seen one of the versions of “House of Wax” in its various incarnations (a 2005 version which is a loose remake of the 1988 film, a remake of a 1953 film which is itself a remake of a 1933 film). Usually, these museums offer a mysterious, even scary, atmosphere, achieved through lights, sound effects, and pyrotechnics.
If the wax museum has a special section dedicated to horror, you can expect much more from that. That’s why some of the largest wax museums in the world – Madame Tussauds on its branches, for example – have certain areas dedicated to horror. The Wax Museum in Barcelona, smaller and less famous than its European brothers, also offers a pleasant spot for horror fans.
Get To Know The Barcelona Wax Museum
Before we even get to the menacing waxy side of the museum, for which we have gathered here, here are some general things you should know about the museum. Wax Museum Barcelona (or in its original name: “Museu De Cera”) is located in the city’s southern part of the Ramblas, not far from the old port and the Columbus monument. As a result, it is effortless to devote a few hours to it during your visit to a city that never stops for a moment.
Museu De Cera in Barcelona opened in 1973 in a 19th-century building with a striking neoclassical design. Naturally, it has gone through various incarnations over the decades since then: new wax figures have been added, others have vacated their place, the museum has been massively renovated, and some smaller attractions have been added.
In total, you will find in the Barcelona Wax Museum over 150 life-size wax figures of famous personalities (note that some of the statues relate to local history, so you may not recognize them), fictional characters, and more, alongside crowds of tourists taking selfies and imitating the dolls. These figures are divided into 28 sets spread over the museum’s three floors. Note that some of these rooms depict scenes related to a specific theme and are not just a random collection of dolls. As a result, you can see impressive decor and costumes, special music, and more.
What Museu De Cera Has To Offer?
On the entrance floor of the museum, you will find, among other things, a room that simulates the Rambles boulevard in 360 degrees, a cops and thieves room, a jungle setting, journeys in space or at sea, and also a giant figure of Kong. You will find most wax characters on the first floor, including famous historical figures, actors, pop singers, music giants, scientists (such as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking), painters (such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali), and more.
The second and last floor of the museum is the one that should satisfy horror fans even more. Of course, not everything here is devoted to horror – you will find, for example, a charming room inspired by “Game of Thrones” (where you can, for example, hold a sword next to Jack Snow or sit on the chair in question that they fought over for eight seasons), a wing of famous sports figures and one that presents “figures good versus bad.” But our primary interest is in the Alley Of Terror, which offers some surprises.
The Scary Side Of Wax Museum Barcelona
The Barcelona Wax Museum, like similar museums around the world, updates its collection of wax dolls from time to time. In our case, the catalog of horror and fantasy characters may change occasionally. You can find out in advance what is expected during your visit in Wax Museum Barcelona or even leave some room for surprises.
Among the horror wax figures in the past and present of Museu De Cera, you can find Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, Ghostface from the “Scream” movies, the clown “Pennywise” from the “It” movies (in a representation similar to that of the latest movies), Michael Myers from “Halloween,” The Creature From The Blue Lagoon and also werewolves, zombies, mummies, witches, ghosts and more.
You can, of course, expect a horror atmosphere, thanks to the music, the effects, the dim lighting, and so on. As far as we know, the museum puts less emphasis on scares, but occasionally you will find them (without making spoilers). Of course, as is the best tradition, exhibits here are less suitable for children, such as severed heads or hanging people.
Nearby, you’ll find an excellent section called the “Alley of Interactivity” that offers several attractions that combine different media. This is your chance, for example, to walk on a floor that moves according to the sounds of your steps or see how Frankenstein’s monster creates your shadow.
Should You Visit The Barcelona Wax Museum?
It is important to emphasize that the wax museum in Barcelona is very kind, well done and does the job. Still, we recommend lowering expectations because this is not a museum on the scale of Madame Tussauds, for example, nor is it a place full of scares like some of the dungeons and horror museums around Europe. You can come here for a few hours or visit a wax museum for the first time, including a nice horror section. This attraction may be less impressive if you have seen parallel museums or enough horror attractions.
We recommend getting on the elevator located within the museum – the oldest in Barcelona, which will provide you with beautiful panoramic views of the city from a height of about 55 meters. After visiting the museum, you can find gifts inspired by the museum or the city you are visiting in its official gift shop. Next, you can find The Bosc de les Fades, a cafe/bar with a fantastic design of a magical forest with fairies, glitter, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Important Information To Know Before The visit
Museu De Cera Opening Hours
The museum’s opening hours may change occasionally, so we recommend you check its official website during your visit to Barcelona. As of today (2023), the museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays (last entry at 6:00 p.m.) or 8:00 p.m. on weekends (last entry at 7:00 p.m.).
Wax Museum Barcelona Price
You can visit the Barcelona Wax Museum in several ways. We recommend buying an entrance ticket in advance, allowing you to skip the queues on the spot. The basic ticket comes with a voice guide in English, which will enable you to understand exactly who the characters are that you see. You can also go on a guided tour in English, which will naturally be more expensive.
These are the Wax Museum Barcelona tickets and prices of 2023:
Individual ticket – at the cost of 21 euros for an adult, 17 euros for a child over the age of 6 (children up to the age of 5 enter free of charge), and 18 euros for those with mobility disabilities who use a wheelchair
Family Pack, for two adults and two children between the ages of 6-16, which gives a 20% discount (about 60 euros per package)
Guided tour in English – about 45 euros
Essential tips for the visit
- A museum tour lasts about an hour so that you can combine it efficiently with nearby attractions.
- The museum is accessible to the disabled and wheelchair users, except for two areas out of the 28 that are not yet adapted for wheelchairs.
- The museum is mainly suitable for children, although some may find some parts scary.
