DC wax museum makes room for all 44 US presidents

[February 18, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new gallery opening in Washington will show wax figures of all 44 U.S. presidents together in the nation's capital for the first time.

Madame Tussauds wax museum opens a $2 million revamped attraction Thursday. It hopes to increase its appeal to tourists and school groups by pushing presidents over pop stars.

Tussauds created 28 new wax presidents, many based on paintings or historical accounts when photos weren't available.

There's a stately John Adams seated in the "Founding Fathers" gallery, as well as the shortest president, James Madison who stood 5 feet, 4 inches tall.

Each commander in chief has a historical setting. Former President George W. Bush is in a new 9/11 remembrance gallery, while President Barack Obama is in a replica of the Oval Office.

[Associated Press; By BRETT ZONGKER]

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