The Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center is the Grand Strand's easiest crowd-pleaser: an hour or two of laughing, posing and screaming, steps from Broadway at the Beach at 1808 21st Avenue North. The main event is the wax museum, which is built for photographs rather than reverent gazing. Hand-sculpted figures of film stars, music icons and pop-culture characters stand in themed sets you are encouraged to walk into, and prop stations hand you the hats, microphones, tiaras and even a wedding dress to complete the shot; each figure takes the studio more than three months to make, and the detail shows up close. Interactive extras keep it moving, including a Prop Vault, a laser maze and a giant floor piano. Two more attractions share the building and are sold together on an All Access Pass. Hannah's Maze of Mirrors is a disorienting, glittering maze that is much harder than it looks, and Outbreak, subtitled Dread the Undead, is a zombie-themed walk-through with live scares, best for teenagers and brave adults. The center is open 365 days a year, with long daily hours (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the current schedule), which makes it a dependable fill-in for rainy afternoons, off-season evenings and the hour before a show at Broadway at the Beach. It is not high culture, and it does not pretend to be. Book on the official site, where the All Access Pass is usually the best value if you plan to do all three.
Getting the most from the wax museum: go in with phones charged and a plan to pose, not just look. The figures are arranged in scenes, so the fun is in recreating the moment, and families who throw themselves into the props come out with the best photos of the trip. Mornings are the quietest time, when you can spend as long as you like at each set; rainy afternoons bring the crowds and queues at the most popular figures.
The other two attractions: Hannah's Maze of Mirrors suits all ages and takes most groups ten to twenty minutes, depending on how many times you walk into your own reflection. Outbreak is a different proposition: it is designed to frighten, with actors in the dark, and it is not suitable for young children or anyone who dislikes jump scares. Families with mixed ages often split up, with the brave going through Outbreak while the rest repeat the mirror maze.
Fit and pairing: this is an easy add-on rather than a destination in itself. Combine it with WonderWorks and Ripley's Aquarium for a full indoor day around Broadway at the Beach, or slot it in before an evening show at the Legends in Concert theater. Because it opens every day of the year, it is one of the safest bets for a cold or wet day in January, when some other attractions close.
What to expect
The experience
An interactive wax museum of film, music and pop-culture figures in walk-in sets with props, plus Hannah's Maze of Mirrors and the Outbreak zombie walk-through, sold together on an All Access Pass.
Best time
Mornings for quiet photo sets; any day of the year, including holidays.
How long
About an hour for the wax museum; two hours with all three attractions.
Tips
Use the prop stations for better photos. Buy the All Access Pass if you will do all three. Outbreak is genuinely scary, so skip it with young children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A light, fun hour of photos on a rainy day.
- Families
- Good: the wax museum and mirror maze suit all ages; Outbreak is for teens and up.
- Couples
- Silly photos, then the zombie walk-through for a jump-scare date.
- Pair with
- WonderWorks and Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Where is the Hollywood Wax Museum in Myrtle Beach?+
At 1808 21st Avenue North, beside Broadway at the Beach.
What are the hours?+
It is open 365 days a year, with current daily hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check the official calendar for future dates.
What else is in the building?+
Hannah's Maze of Mirrors and Outbreak, a zombie-themed walk-through with live scares. All three are included in the All Access Pass.
Is Outbreak suitable for children?+
It is designed to frighten, with actors in the dark, so it is best for teens and adults. The wax museum and mirror maze suit all ages.
Can we touch the figures?+
The museum is built for photos, with props and walk-in sets; follow posted guidance at each figure and be gentle.
