A new exhibit has opened at the Museo de Cera de Madrid: a wax figure of Pope Leo XIV is now on display. This addition expands the museum’s extensive collection, which already features celebrities from the worlds of sports and the arts, as well as spiritual leaders. In the Gallery of Pontiffs, the figure of Leo XIV has been placed alongside wax replicas of his predecessors: John XXIII, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis I. The hall also features a sculpture of Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order—the order to which the current leader of the Catholic Church belonged before his appointment as bishop.
How the new museum figure was created
The creation of the Pope Leo XIV figure took several months. The museum’s artists aimed not only to achieve a close physical likeness, but also to capture the personality and unique characteristics of the pontiff. According to museum representatives, their goal is not just to expand the collection, but to showcase figures who have made a significant impact on history and culture. The wax sculptures are seen as a kind of mirror reflecting contemporary society, with each exhibit representing a timely and relevant topic.
Gallery of Celebrities and Pontiffs
The Madrid Wax Museum is known for regularly updating its collection, adding figures of people who have left a significant mark on world history. Among the latest additions are figures of designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada and Princess Leonor. The sculpture of the Spanish heir to the throne was updated after she came of age and swore allegiance to the Constitution. The first version of her figure appeared in the museum back in 2014, shortly after her father, Felipe VI, ascended the throne.
A museum as a reflection of its time
The wax figures at the Madrid museum are not just an attraction for tourists, but also a way to preserve the memory of key figures from different eras. Visitors can see both contemporary celebrities and historical figures whose influence is still felt today. The appearance of Pope Leo XIV’s figure highlights the museum’s commitment to keeping its collection current and relevant for a broad audience.
