Best of Budapest & Hungary

In the first quarter of 2022, the world's first fully franchised Madame Tussauds will open in Dorottya Street in downtown Budapest, the news site telex.hu reports.

The most unique feature of the house in Budapest is that it will be the world's first Madame Tussauds franchise location. Until now, all of these panopticums (22 in total) have been, or are currently, owned by the rights holder, Merlin Entertainments of the UK. The Hungarian establishment will be owned by Hungarians who will pay a franchise fee.

Most of the details are still secret, but what is known is that 50 handmade puppets will be made for the Budapest show in Acton, West London, the only working puppet factory.

The Budapest-based organiser is Dorottya Experience Ltd, whose largest owner is József Kreinbacher, a construction entrepreneur and champagne maker and one of Hungary's richest businessmen.

The news site estimates the investment at more than HUF 10 billion, which Hungarian taxpayers will support with HUF 3.1 billion thanks to a decision by the National Tourism Agency.