Recent wax figure unveilings of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran at the Panoptikum Museum in Germany have sparked a wave of fan criticism. The figures, revealed on August 13—a date significant to Swift—have left some fans unimpressed.
Taylor Swift’s wax figure is dressed in a blue, shimmery romper, striking a heart-shaped pose with her hands. Ed Sheeran’s figure features him with a guitar slung over his shoulder, sporting a smirk and his characteristic ginger shaggy hair. The figures were showcased on E! News, but their reception has been less than enthusiastic.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their discontent. “When ur mum says you have Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift at home,” one user quipped on X, highlighting their disappointment. Another fan commented, “They look so off I’m crying,” while someone else added, “These are pretty scary, ngl.”
Despite the negative feedback, some fans chose to support the museum’s efforts. “I bet the figures are super realistic and a must-see for any Swifties or Sheerios visiting the museum. I’d love to see how realistic they turned out,” one user wrote, showing a more positive perspective. Another supporter commented, “Honestly, really good renditions! Taylor’s looks great!”
Dr. Susanne Faerber, Managing Director of Panoptikum Museum, addressed the criticism by emphasizing the significance of the date. “With the wax figure of Taylor Swift, we are welcoming an absolute superstar to the Panoptikum. August 13 is a lucky day for our wax museum—especially since the number 13 holds special meaning for Taylor Swift and her fans. We are thrilled to offer a unique fan experience with these figures,” she said.
The process of creating these wax figures was extensive. Sculptor Lisa Büscher, who crafted Ed Sheeran’s figure—her first wax creation—revealed that replicating Sheeran’s tattoos was the most challenging aspect. Capturing over 60 of his tattoos required significant effort and began in 2022. Büscher expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting, “I find the facial expressions and the pose of the figure particularly successful.”
In addition to Swift and Sheeran, the Panoptikum Museum features over 120 other influential figures from around the globe, aiming to provide visitors with a diverse and engaging experience.
Despite the mixed reviews, the museum’s efforts in bringing celebrity wax figures to the public highlight the ongoing fascination with these lifelike representations. As with any public display, reactions vary, and while some fans are critical, others are eager to see these figures in person and experience the museum’s offerings firsthand.
