Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum- Gaspar de Portola and Spanish Rule

This scene from the Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum shows Gaspar de Portola, the governor of Baja California as he moved north to establish Spanish rule in Alta California. Here, he stands in front of Spanish soldiers. Northern California was crucial to the Spanish empire in preventing Russia from southern expansion from Alaska.

A close up of the Gaspar de Portola figure.

A wide view of the scene. Like many historical wax museums, Spirit of Monterey uses narration and lights to tell a story. Guests follow each scene as it lights up and then dims. This doesn't allow much for stragglers, as people need to keep up with the tour.

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Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum- Ohlone Chief

Here we see a really nice wax figure of one of the Ohlone natives, presumably the tribe's chief. Notice the headdress, and the staff.

With flash we can see in more detail how elaborate the figure is dressed.

This is a close up of the highly detailed figure. This is perhaps the best sculpted figure in the entire museum, and definitely one of my favorites.

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Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum- Discovery by Viscaino

The first explorers to what eventually became Monterey Bay reached the new land in 1542. Juan Cabrillo passed by, but there was no interaction between the two cultures until 1602. Sebastian Viscaino commanded the ship that housed the first Spaniards that made contact with the Ohlone Indians.

The Spanish arrive, and are greeted by the friendly Ohlone. This would be the only contact for another 170 years.

A close up of the two Spaniards.

The wax museum's website is no longer up.

Tags: John Steinbeck Wax Museum Figure Cannery Row Monterey Sebastian Viscaino

Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum- The Ohlone

Here in the Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum we see a couple of Ohlone Indian girls stretching animal skin on a large rack. Behind them is a rather mysterious man. The Ohlone lived on the northern California coast years before the Spanish settled the land, and these skins and furs had many uses.

The strange man behind the tree. He looks rather menacing.

A darker shot to show what the scene looks like in reality. This is but a small part of a larger tableau that highlights early California life before and during the discovery.

Visit Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum's website here.

Tags: John Steinbeck Wax Museum Figure Cannery Row Monterey Ohlone

Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum- Oyster Bill's

The last preview figures before entering the Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum is this small scene of Oyster Bill's Room and Board. A man, who appears passed out reading Tortilla Flat is about to be doused with a pale of dirty water. I couldn't find any information on Oyster Bill's, it may be in a Steinbeck book, but it eludes me.

A close up of the Gentleman. He has no idea how soon his slumber will be disrupted. Actually, the two people are stuck in this moment of time for as long as the display is around.

Visit Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum's website here.

Tags: John Steinbeck Wax Museum Figure Cannery Row Monterey

Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum- Exterior Pt 2

As I continue with the exterior of the Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum, this picture shows the small area that the museum has to draw visitors in. There's no lack of signs pointing to the entrance, and the signs that don't name the museum display facts about what there is to see.

This sign at the top of the stairs is typical of the signage around the museum.

More signs detailing just what you are about to view inside.

Another set of signs on the opposite side.

From near the ticket booth, the wax figures sit and stand in front of the red elevator.

Another view of the two standing figures. The woman with flowers, and the fisherman remind visitors of Monterey's past.

Visit Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum's website here.

Tags: John Steinbeck Wax Museum Figure Cannery Row Monterey

Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum- Exterior Pt 1

700 Cannery Row, Monterey CA, 93940

Somewhat hidden in Cannery Row is the wonderfully entertaining Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum. Spanning far more than twentieth Century Monterey, the museum highlights the peninsula's first inhabitants, as well as the Spanish discovery. The experience is more of a guided tour of Monterey's history, than it is a typical wax museum. Every scene is narrated by "Steinbeck" himself, and guests must wait for the tour to begin. Each scene is then illuminated as Steinbeck speaks, and certain figures are highlighted during the narration. One must keep up with this narration, or else lose his place in the story of Monterey.

The exterior of the museum is elaborately decorated, and gives guests a sneak peek at a few figures. As expected, the exterior focuses on Monterey's fishing and canning history. These figures are only a sample of the many characters that once called Monterey home.

From the other side, we see the three figure's who greet guests. The sound of water flowing, as well as the wax museum's informative spiel, plays continuously in the area.

A cigarette, and a jug are this man's two best friends.

The fisherman stands, guarding his catch.

A close up of the fisherman. Great detail in his face shows just how hard it was to live in Monterey back then.

Visit Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum's website here.

Tags: John Steinbeck Wax Museum Figure Cannery Row Monterey