$2.3M wax museum opens

Prepare to be taken back in time when you enter the newly opened $2.3 million Wax Museum of Saipan as it brings back to life-size proportion some excerpts in the history of the CNMI.

The Wax Museum of Saipan held its grand opening ceremony yesterday at its Garapan location, with acting Gov. Timothy Villagomez leading the ceremony, together with the creator of the museum, Sun International Co. Ltd. president Kaneshima Akio.

Villagomez said the multimillion-dollar investment would greatly enhance the image of the CNMI as a tourist destination.

“Mr. Kaneshima, we thank you for your efforts in investing in the CNMI,” he said.

Akio, whose speech was translated by Jim Davis of Pacific Eagle Enterprise Inc., said he is very thankful for the completion of the project. He said the museum is his way of giving something back for the kindness that the island has shown him.

Akio, who described himself as “a second generation Korean born in Japan,” said that he has always been impressed with the island people’s kindness. This lured him to open up this business in the CNMI.

Rev. Rey Rosal led the blessing of the museum while museum general manager Nahoko Ishida guided visitors inside the museum. A traditional “Kanpai” or wine toast was held to officially open the museum.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Marianas Visitor Authority managing director Perry Tenorio, and Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez also attended the opening ceremony. Business leaders and officers from Pacific Development Inc., Pacific Eagle Enterprises Inc., Tasi Tours, and Saipan Travel Association also graced the event.

There are over 15 display areas inside the museum. The first room contains a diorama of a Taga hut, a collection of historical photographs and two life-size waxworks of Halloween figures—Frankenstein and the Werewolf. Museum tour guides said the two sculptures serve as a contrast to what people would see inside the museum.

The displays are labeled Scenes 1 to 15. Scene 1 provides a tableaux of wax sculptures depicting ancient Chamorros. Scene 2 display gives a remarkable glimpse of the island’s reefs.

Scene 3 shows Spanish conquistadors setting foot on the island while the next display shows the battle between the ancient Chamorros and the Spaniards. Scene 5 shows the Spaniards dressed the ancient Chamorro costumes.

Scene 6 shows the Japanese occupation era. Displays Scene 7 to Scene 11 provides scenes of the Pacific war.

On the second floor of the museum are scenes depicting the suicides at Suicide Cliff near the end of the war.

Scene 14 to 15 depicts the islands after being set free by the Americans. Scene 15 gives a 30-second holographic surprise to viewers.

There are two other rooms on the second floor. Room 2 is a setup of the Executive Branch where photos of former and current Governors and Lt. Governors are on display. Room 3 serves as a gallery of paintings. This month, watercolor paintings of local painter Debbie Winkfield depicting ancient and historical fashion of local women are on display.

The Wax Museum of Saipan is now open daily on Ginger St. in Garapan. Admission fee is $20 for adults with ages 13 to 54; senior citizens aged 55 and above, $18; students with valid ID, $15 each; child age 6 to 12, $10 each.

Local and group discounts also apply. For groups of five to 19 people, $18 for each person; for groups of 20 or more, $15 for each person. For more information, call 233-7447.