Museum-goers ‘dropped off a little’

A century-old jar. Paintings. Photographs that date back to the early 19th century. A replica of the Spanish galleon. French painter Paul Jacoulet’s artworks on Carolinian and Chamorro subjects.

Some relics of the Northern Marianas’ rich cultural heritage that most islanders haven’t been seen yet.

But two months since the CNMI’s Museum of Art and Culture opened, onlookers remain shy of invading the place.

According to CNMI Museum of Art and Culture Curator Gigi York, the number of their visitors has recently “dropped off a little.”

The turnout was disappointing considering that the government spent over $1.2 million to renovate the 73-year-old Japanese Hospital into a state-of-the-art museum. Not to mention the $300,000 museum’s annual budget for its operation and maintenance.

“I think this museum is a wealth of experience. People should take advantage of seeing it,” York who is also an archaeologist said.

She said museum authorities are currently tapping students to enrich their young minds of their great heritage. Just last week, about 30 to 40 schoolchildren had the chance to tour the museum.

“The number of visitors vary. Now it has dropped off a little, but we will have school groups (soon),” York said.

York and husband Bob, also a museum curator and an archaeologist, expect more artifacts to be donated.

“We haven’t even received all the collections. We are still searching for collections,” she said.

A traveling exhibit from Spain dubbed, “Pacific Islands, the Spanish Legacy,” is currently on display at the museum.

It first came from Guam and will stay on CNMI this month before it sails to Pohnpei, Manila, then back to Spain.

The collection depicts the 400 years of Spanish influence in the Pacific Region. It includes early l9th century illustrations of Chamorro life and culture from the Louis de Freycinet expedition, jewelry and cargo from the 1638 shipwreck of the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion recovered off Aguingan Point, photographs taken during the time of the German and Japanese occupation and 120th century artwork by Paul Jacoulet of Carolinian and Chamorro subjects.

Tom Tebuteb, secretary of Department of Cultural and Community Affairs, said the public should take time to visit the museum now while entrance is still free.

He said the museum’s policy-making body is considering to impose an entrance fee to come up with funds for the building’s maintenance.