Madame Tussauds and Legoland in Istanbul will close permanently in January 2025, marking the end of Merlin Entertainments’ operations in Turkey (Türkiye).
Sea Life Istanbul will also close as part of its exit from the market, citing persistent profitability challenges. This closure follows years of struggling against inflation and reduced consumer spending despite efforts to draw in more visitors.
Merlin Entertainments entered the Turkish market in 2013 with high hopes of replicating its global success. Madame Tussauds Istanbul, which opened in 2016, became a major attraction within the Grand Pera building. The museum featured over 70 wax figures of global icons, including sports stars, musicians, and historical figures.
One of the highlights was the unveiling of the wax figure of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo by Madame Tussauds in November 2022. The statue’s arrival drew large crowds, with fans lining up to snap photos alongside the lifelike figure. The excitement reflected Ronaldo’s immense popularity in Turkey, reinforcing Madame Tussauds’ status as a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts and pop culture lovers.
Despite such moments of success, economic pressures ultimately led Merlin to reduce ticket prices to attract more visitors. Joint admission to Madame Tussauds and Legoland was lowered to 644 TL (approx. €17, US$18). However, the financial strain proved too great, prompting the company to announce the closures.
In an official statement, Merlin described the decision as “difficult” and expressed gratitude to the thousands of families and children who visited over the years.
Sea Life Istanbul, which opened in 2015, will also close, but the company confirmed that all marine life will be safely relocated to new facilities. The aquarium, famous for its Ocean Tunnel and more than 15,000 sea creatures, was one of the largest of its kind in the region.
Legoland Discovery Centre in Forum Istanbul, the first Legoland in Eastern Europe, will close on December 31, 2024. Its retail store will remain open until January 31, 2025, allowing fans to purchase LEGO sets and memorabilia until the very end.
As the countdown begins for these beloved attractions, visitors still have the opportunity to enjoy Madame Tussauds, Sea Life, and Legoland before their doors close for good.
