Singapore — Merlin Entertainments plc (‘Merlin’) and Sentosa Development Corporation announce a new partnership which will see Merlin take on the management of Images of Singapore (IOS), one of Singapore’s leading attractions, and the launch of Madame Tussauds Singapore. The world-renowned ‘celebrity’ wax attraction will open at Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa in 2014. The two attractions will operate alongside one another and bring to life Singapore’s rich history with figures and audio-visual technology.
Merlin, the world’s second largest operator of visitor attractions, will use its specialist knowledge, expertise and skills to enhance the current visitor experience of the popular IOS attraction. This includes a significant investment programme to relaunch it as an exciting, contemporary world-class attraction which can be enjoyed by both local Singaporeans and international visitors of all ages. The attraction originally opened in 1983 as the Pioneers of Singapore and Surrender Chambers, then relaunched in 2005 as IOS – showcasing Singapore’s rich culture and history with the use of multimedia displays and theatre presentations.
Madame Tussauds Singapore will be Merlin’s first Singapore-based attraction, and is a natural complement to IOS. It will be uniquely tailored to reflect the culture and excitement of its Singapore and Southeast Asia location. This is not only in its design but also in the choice of figures which will be included – an exciting combination of historical and contemporary figures from the region, as well as global celebrities. It will also be the only Madame Tussauds outside of the flagship attraction in London to incorporate a ride into the experience. This unique ride will reflect the culture and history of Singapore.
Madame Tussauds Singapore will join other popular and successful Madame Tussauds in Asia – in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Wuhan.
Madame Tussauds Singapore will be run by a Singapore-based team with the support of Merlin’s Asia Pacific management and global marketing teams. Merlin is committed to operating its attractions with local staff to draw on local knowledge and experience.
