Humankind has long celebrated wax for its myriad uses, such as ripping unwanted hair from bearskin rugs and providing much-needed nourishment in times of dessert famine. Today’s Groupon gives you access to a more visually stimulating use of the malleable substance: for $12, you get admission to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas (up to a $25 value).

The Las Vegas branch of the two-century-old wax museum is conveniently located on the Las Vegas Strip in front of The Venetian, and it boasts a collection of over 100 lifelike wax figures for viewing or quasi-stalking enjoyment. Each of the figures is skillfully sculpted in direct proportion to its actual celebrity inspiration, allowing for an authentic experience when guests pose with them. Dearly departed musical legends such as Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur stand alongside famed political figures such as Barack Obama and Benjamin Franklin, best remembered today as the inventor of the glass armonica. Hollywood stars, pro athletes, and Las Vegas legends round out the collection.

If mingling with the stars whets an appetite for a life of glamour, indulge in one of the museum’s interactive exhibits. Don a wedding gown and walk down the aisle in your wedding to dreamboat George Clooney, or partner up with Tiger Woods and sink a putt to the sounds of chirping birds and roaring applause. Basketball buffs will enjoy going head-to-chest with Shaquille O’Neal, while thrill-seekers will relish the challenge of escaping from the SCREAM house of horror unscathed. Get up close and personal with celebrities without fear of violating the terms of your restraining order, or bring visiting dignitaries to the museum for a day of wacky photo-ops and one-sided debates.

Reviews

Frommer's "very highly recommends" Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, and Zagat rates it 23 out of 30 for appeal and facilities. TripAdvisors give it four owl eyes:

• All the waxworks are free-standing, allowing, and indeed encouraging, guests to get up close and personal. Go ahead, lay your cheek next to Elvis's or Sinatra's and have your photo taken. Or put on a wedding dress and get "married" to "George Clooney" (you know you want to). – Frommer's
• An opportunity to meet Hef for those of us who are still waiting for our Midsummer's Night Dream party invites to come in. – gxc147, Zagat
• I highly recommend going through the Scream portion of the attraction. Very scary and what a thrill…I came out safely on the other side with a set of jello legs and a great need for water for my dry throat from screaming so much. Highly recommended. – KarmaPerson, TripAdvisor