Merlin Entertainments has announced it will launch its first Madame Tussauds brand franchise. The new franchise will open in Prague in the Czech Republic later in 2019.

The launch of the franchise in the Czech Republic is part of the location-based, family entertainment organisation’s aim for the Madame Tussauds’ brand to explore and open in new territories.

The Czech company Wax Museum – Svet Zabavy currently owns and operates the Prague Wax Museum and are Merlin Entertainments’ franchise partner in the deal.

The franchise partnership will provide Prague Wax Museum access to the Madame Tussauds brand as part of a multi-million-euro refurbishment that is planned for the Prague Wax Museum.

Merlin Entertainments’ franchise director, Chris Scurrah, commented:

“We are delighted to be launching our first Madame Tussauds franchise in Prague, with an experienced local partner.

“Following a successful opening later this year, Merlin will be looking at other Madame Tussauds franchise opportunities around the globe, in markets where the brand is not already present. Future partners are already being identified.”

Zdenek Kocik, director of Svet Zabavy, said:

“Work is advanced on the new attraction and we look forward to bringing the Madame Tussauds brand to Prague and making it a huge success.”