When children broke into a Dublin warehouse in June 2007 and caused more than €1m worth of damage to 50 of the world's most recognisable faces, it seemed certain that the wax museum would be closed forever.

However, one of the capital's most-loved tourist attractions is set to re-open next month.

The Sunday Tribune first revealed how Bob the Builder, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Michael Collins were stolen in the incident while Bono, Bertie Ahern and Madonna were damaged beyond repair.

Two years later, Bono is back and, with the other members of U2, will form the centrepiece of the new museum when it reopens on Dublin's College Green.

Owner Paddy Dunning is confident that the revamped museum will be a success, with some new faces to wow the crowds.

Regardless of trends, however, there are iconic Irish figures the public wish to see in wax. These include Belfast singer Van Morrison. "We've got a new Van because everybody loved the previous one, particularly the Americans," Dunning said.

Dunning bought all the remaining wax figures from Senator Donie Cassidy when he closed down the original museum on Parnell Square four years ago. However, Dunning said he was determined to re-open it. "There was a wonderful lady called Kay Murray who ran the original museum who sadly passed away. Before she died I made a promise to her that I would re-open the wax museum somewhere and I'm glad to say I made good on that promise."

The museum will be situated in the old Bank of Ireland arts centre in Foster Place off Dame Street, the building features a domed hall and basement vaults. Along with sections devoted to famous faces from history, entertainment, sports, music and film, the attraction will also feature a YouTube recording booth and a recording studio where visitors can remix master tapes from some of the top rock acts .

"We didn't have insurance so we had to pay to have a sculptor repair the damage or make new models. I don't know what it cost but Bank of Ireland have been very good to us," said Dunning.