Tyra Banks Announces Plans To Open Her Own Theme Park ‘Modelland’
Tyra Banks has had many business ventures throughout her career, and now she is ready for the next big step. Recently, she revealed her plans to open her very own theme park as she continues to break barriers.
According to Variety, “Modelland” is set to open in late 2019 in Santa Monica, CA and the 21,000 sq. ft. space will include both retail and dining options.
Tyra expressed her excitement for the theme park, which she says has been in the works for 10 years. She said, “I’ve always been insanely inspired by attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios and have wanted to bring that spirit of adventure and storytelling to the world of modeling, but not the exclusive modeling industry. I’m talking about modeling for the masses.”
When it comes to the purpose of the theme park, Tyra pointed out that she has had many groundbreaking moments within her career, and opening this theme park is just another special moment to add to the list.
Tyra said, “Modelland is not just a place to us; it’s a movement. Yes, it’s an attraction and a destination, but above all, it’s the genesis for people with all types of different beauty to feel seen and validated.”
With plans for “Modelland” to open in Santa Monica, Tyra plans to expand the theme park to other major cities throughout the country and eventually globally.
Tyra also explained why this is the next big for her brand, “I’ve always looked up to Walt Disney’s empire. He’s created this world for us that we love as a child, cherish as an adult and enjoy as a family. It’s his legacy that is never ending. I have always wanted to create something that exists beyond me, so that when my time on Earth is done, people — young, old, women, men, families, friends — will still have many outlets and physical destinations to visit to be the dream versions of themselves, to have their beauty celebrated and to just let loose and have fun.”
Tyra also released her novel “Modelland” back in 2011, so the theme park fits perfectly into her ever-growing brand.