King of Kings Wax Museum- The Annunciation

The Angel Gabriel came unto her and said, "Fear not Mary, Thou has found favor with God. Thou shalt bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus."

This image is from the King of Kings Wax Museum at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg Florida. The museum opened around 1968 and closed in the 1990's. Fortunately, the figures were saved, restored, and moved to the Museum of Religious Arts in Logan Iowa.

A close up of Mary as she receives the news that she was chosen to give birth to the Christ child.

A close up of the Angel Gabriel.

View more information on the Museum of Religious Arts here.

Merry Christmas from Houses of Wax!

Paris Spectacular Wax Museum- Salome and the Head of St. John the Baptist

This scene is inspired by the painting by Moreau. Princess Salome was the daughter of Herod Philippus, and the niece of Herod Antipas. At the instigation of her mother, Herodias, Salome obtained the head of Saint John the Baptist, from her uncle.

Here we see John the Baptists severed head served on a silver platter.

A close up of the quite revealing figure of Salome as she admires the head.

Tags: Paris Spectacular Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Salome

Historial de Touraine- Saint Martin

Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours and founder of the Abbey of Marmoutier, blesses the young Patrick, who will leave to evangelize Ireland.

A closer view of the two saints. Such incredible detail in this museum which is part of Musée Grévin in France, and is located at Chateau Royal 25 av. Andre-Malraux , France.

Tags: Historial de Touraine Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Saint Martin Saint Patrick

Christus Gardens- Exterior

Although Christus Gardens closed last year after 49 years of operation, there appears to be a new lease on life for the old building. Plans are now underway to reopen the complex as the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens. Though not Christus Gardens, the theme and atmosphere seems to be the same as the original. According to a news article, the old wax figures were sold to a Christian television channel, which means the new tableaux of Christ's life should be composed on new figures!

The building is so beautiful, and the mid century style and design is too cool to be demolished for condominiums. The recession caused those plans to fall through, and now the building will live on for at least the near future.

Tags: Christus Gardens Gatlinburg

Potter's Wax Museum- John Wycliffe

(1320s-1384)

This vintage wax figure from the Potter's Wax Museum in Florida shows English theologian John Wycliffe. He was critical of the Roman Catholic church and papal authority. He also believed in having the Bible available to the common man, a major issue of the upcoming reformation. Because he was the earliest reformers he is known as "The Morning Star of the Reformation". His English translation of the Bible is one of his biggest and most historical achievements.

A close up of the figure of John Wycliffe.

Visit the Potter's Wax Museum's website here.

Tags: Potter's Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax John Wycliffe

Potter's Wax Museum- Pope Gregory I

(540-604)

This photo from the Potter's Wax Museum in St. Augustine Florida, shows Pope Gregory I sitting in what must be the Vatican. The Pope was born into a wealthy family, and was educated as a lawyer. However, the Catholic religion was his passion, and he soon turned his focus to that endeavour. He became Pope in 590, and made Christianizing the Pagan Anglo-Saxons a top priority.

A close up of the wax figure, it looks so sad and contemplative. Potter's Wax Museum used to primarily feature historic figures, but has added many entertainment icons to the figure line up.

Visit the Potter's Wax Museum's website here.

Tags: Potter's Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Gregory I

Musée de Cire Lourdes- The Nativity

The Musée de Cire Lourdes in France, a wax museum dedicated the the lives of Bernadette Soubirous, and Jesus, houses this wonderful little tableau of the Nativity scene. Here, we see Mary, the shepherds, and the Magi, all admiring the baby Jesus in his swaddling clothes. The manger, a hollowed out log, is all he has for a bed, as there was no room for them at the inn.

In this close up, we see Mary and Jesus. The bond they held, evident in this display.

One of the Magi, holding Frankincense, or Myrrh.

A shepherd boy standing near the Christ Child.

The Musée de Cire Lourdes is a part of the Musée Grévin chain, and is located in Lourdes France.

Tags: Grevin Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Lourdes Jesus Nativity Christmas

Christus Gardens- The Nativity

I thought I would do a little "Christmas in June" post today. This picture is from the recently defunct Christus Gardens museum in Gatlinburg Tennessee. The highlight of the museum was the dioramas featuring the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of only a handful of religious wax museums, Christus Gardens seemed to have been the most popular. It opened in 1960, and was a staple of the city for the next forty-eight years. This scene focuses on the birth of Christ, and is very typical of most Nativity scenes.

Three wise men? No, one wise man and two Shepherds.

More shepherds. They kneel before the baby Jesus in his manger.

Mary and Joseph watch over the newborn King.

Christus Gardens closed on January 13th 2008.

Tags: Christus Gardens Gatlinburg Jesus Nativity

Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf- Pope Benedict XVI

In honor of his historic visit to The United States of America, today's post features Pope Benedict XVI. This figure, from the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, is a very realistic and detailed representation of his excellency. The outfit, and the facial features both accurately recreate the Pope with an artistry that the wax museum doesn't always capture.

From another angle, the figure displays something that you don't see in most religious wax figures, joy. He looks happy, and not as somber as most figures seem to. He truly looks as though he enjoys his role as spiritual leader of so many.

A close up highlights the detail in his face. They did a terrific job!

Visit the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf website here.

Tags: San Francisco Wax Museum Figure Pope Benedict XVI

Miami Wax Museum- Pope John XXIII and Cardinal Spellman

Popes are a favorite topic for wax museums. Even now, the San Francisco Wax Museum has a display featuring the current Pope and John Paul II. But way back when, the Miami Wax Museum had their own display. This shot shows Pope John XXIII of Italy, and New York's own Cardinal Spellman. These are high quality figures, and have very realistic features. Although their set is far too simple, (curtains often serve as the only backdrop for many wax museum displays) the detail in the figures makes up for it.

(1881-1963)

A close up of the Pope. As you can see, the figure is pretty high quality. The dark circles around the eyes are especially good. Angelo Roncalli became Pope John XXIII in 1958

(1889-1967)

And here's a shot of Cardinal Francis Spellman. He became Cardinal in 1946, and served as such until his death. It's funny that the two are together in this tableau, seeing as he is believed to have not liked Pope John XXII.

Tags: Miami Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Cardinal Spellman Pope John