Slideshow: Madame Tussauds Stars In Hollywood

When my friend, architect Michael Rotondi, invited me to join him on an afternoon photo project, I couldn’t resist. We set out for his new Madame Tussauds project, located adjacent to Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood on legendary Hollywood Boulevard. Let’s just say his vision is anything but predictable. Elements include an ultra-modern, multi-level western wing covered with warm, mauve brown-colored zinc sheets, specially colored concrete floors (all colors and materials were selected by April Greiman), and stainless steel flights of stairs leading from the spacious courtyard to a vaulting second floor. The courtyard invites people to hang out in different areas, which have been created through thoughtful design and fascinating plays of shadows and light. One can also explore a zig-zagging exterior staircase which leads to an expansive area designed for private parties, where you are certain an A-list will always be in attendance (they’re on permanent display after all). Summarizing, I would have to say the exterior attraction of the building is as mesmerizing as what you will find inside — amazing wax figures that sometimes had me wondering if I wasn’t really shooting the real deal. If you visit, make sure and bring your camera too, Madame Tussauds is truly one photo opp you won’t want to miss…
Dorit Thies