D.C. has always been a crossroads for all kinds of characters. And not just politicians; plenty of musicians, athletes, and celebs flock to the district as well. The famous are attracted by the power, and the powerful are beguiled by the attractive – as they say, Washington is Hollywood for ugly people. The rest of us go to Madame Tussauds.

Ever dreamed of sharing a desk with Stephen Colbert, or landing an interview with Dan
Rather? Stop by the Media Room to make it happen. You can also snap a picture with famous TV hosts like Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, and Katie Couric.

It's selfie heaven – who wouldn't want a smooch with Julia Roberts or George Clooney – but it's not all glitz and glamour. You can take the seat next to Rosa Parks and stand at the podium by Martin Luther King in the Civil Rights Room; give FDR a reassuring pat on the back as he leads the nation through the Depression and a cataclysmic World War; even try to talk Richard Nixon out of bugging the Democrats at the Watergate Hotel. It won't work, but you'll have his undivided attention. He isn't going anywhere.

Waxing with the emperor

Madame Tussaud was acquainted with powerful leaders – and their egos – early in her career. After Napoleon Bonaparte became emperor in 1804, his wife Josephine invited her to create a wax likeness of her husband. As she was preparing to apply the wax to his face, Tussaud warned him not to be alarmed. Napoleon, cool and confident, reportedly replied: "I should not be alarmed if you were to surround my head with loaded pistols!"