By John Joseph Fahey
Located in the heart of Boston, literally on the edge of City Hall Plaza and mere feet from Faneuil Hall, Boston Dreamland Wax Museum offers a venue showcasing over 100 wax figures representing personalities both past and present ranging from the world of government, the arts, religion, sports and other sectors of society, both national and international.
Spanning 19,000 square feet on 2 levels, the museum displays its wax forms in appropriate settings with relevant accoutrements and authentic attire – occupying over 12 “themed galleries.”
On entering the museum, the visitor has the opportunity to observe some of the painstaking methods employed to create such realistic characters and characteristics of the figures; but a little more of that further in the article. The first gallery is Presidential Hall.
Presidential Hall contains all 44 chief executives of the United States – yes, all presidents serving back to the founding of the Republic! However, there are 44 represented and the current president is number 45; this is due to President Grover Cleveland serving two terms, albeit not in succession. The gallery certainly fits the museum’s mission of being “dedicated to educating and entertaining each guest that visits.” Indeed, the visitor will not only have the opportunity of observing a reproduction of the individual’s dimensions and countenance but also learn a little background of their tenure.
The visitor will also make the local connection that the museum has with the area – not just the city but the region. Of all the presidents, Massachusetts was the location where 4 were born – John Adams and son John Quincy Adams, 2nd and 6th presidents, respectively (although Massachusetts was a colony under the British Crown when they were born,) and Presidents John F. Kennedy and George W. H. Bush, 35th and 41st presidents, respectively. President Calvin Coolidge (30th president) also had a connection to the Bay state, as having served as its governor during the early part of the twentieth century.
Boston is most definitely a sports town and in the museum galleries, some of the most celebrated sports talents are represented, for example New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady and former Celtic player Larry Bird along with the figures of Michael Jordan; LeBron James; Usain Bolt; soccer player Pele; Lionel Messi; boxing legends Muhammed Ali and Mike Tyson; golfer Tiger Woods; and hockey player Ray Bourque. And, these notable sports figures don their team’s uniforms.
Represented also are several titans of industry such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.
From the world of science, Albert Einstein’s figure is represented.
Significant persons from the field of religion are at the museum too. Tenzin Gyatso is represented – better known to the world as the 14th Dalai Lama. There is also visible the leader of the movement for Indian independence Mahatma Gandhi. There too is the diminutive figure of the humble and reverential Mother Theresa, as well as figures of the former pontiff Benedict XVI and the current pope, Francis – both dressed in their ecclesiastical apparel with the later standing in front of a view of the Eternal City.
Also from the world of religion, but also part of the Civil Rights movement in the United States is the figure of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Although not from the region, King’s connection to Boston goes back to 1955 when he was awarded his PH.D from Boston University.
Boston Dreamland Wax Museum is not without its share of celebrities from the realm of music. The visitor can observe those people who have made an impact on musical entertainment such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, and Madonna; and the 18th conductor of the Boston Pops too – that’s right, Arthur Fiedler, who was conductor of the famed orchestra for a half century.
There are legends from the world of film, such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe and replete with the famous settings in which they are associated: Hepburn in her renowned Breakfast at Tiffany’s appearance from the 1961 film and Monroe’s iconic scene where she is standing above a windy grate – made so famous by photographer Sam Shaw in 1954. There is also the likeness of actor James Dean in his well – recognized teenage persona from the classic 1955 motion picture Rebel Without a Cause.
Film celebrities who are exhibited that have a local association are actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
Royalty is denoted in regal setting including the personages of some of the better known of the British royal family including HRM Elizabeth II, and complete with pertinent regalia .
To create such as an exhibit entails meticulous and throrugh effort, not to mention the essential component of skill and artistry. According to the museum’s literature, the formation and execution of the figures are labor intensive, as the wax display: “involves several months of planning, research and development.”
To further augment the designing and construction of the characters: “Each precious work of art takes an average of 6 months to produce, and sometimes longer depending on the level of complexity. Over 200 photographs and 200 measurements are taken. The figure may require up to 20 artists to complete. Once the head has been created, each hair is manually implanted, and then several thin layers of paint added, over a period of weeks, to provide the correct absorption to reach the desired skin tone.
The most advanced materials are used, from real human hair to surgical prosthetics to porcelain teeth.” Wax figures were known to be formed by beeswax, however that is no longer the case, as the museum also indicates in its literature: “…new composite materials have emerged. Today, derivatives are now being produced and materials blended, including petroleum – derived from wax, to provide greater durability, longevity, strength, and realism.”
Indeed, there is much about Boston, sometimes known as the Hub of the Universe and regional interest which allows the visitor to understand the museum’s vision; for example, as its literature also states that its vision is “To inspire, invest in, and celebrate the historical impact the city of Boston has had on our nation and be a part of its history.”
So, it is fitting that the venue is just steps from the historic Freedom Trail (a path that encounters various historical landmarks that were instrumental in the foundation of the nation.) And, as the museum also conveys, those responsible for the creation of the museum furthermore have an interest in local history – and interestingly, its location is significant as it “proudly stands on historic Dock Square, where Paul Revere and his father’s famous silversmith shop once operated, back in the 1700’s.”
The museum also provides a setting for other functions as well. There is the Free Speech Series – an opportunity that “is open to present your ideas to your audience in a public forum.”
There are also other features offered by Dreamland for the public – opportunities that allow for one to possibly showcase one’s talents. In a performance area, appropriately named The Stage, one can engage in art shows, music performances and comedy shows.
And, the museum is available for events, accommodating up to 300 people (standing.) Speaking of events, Dreamland had a recent occasion where there was an unveiling of a wax figure -by celebrity Gisele Bundchen – who is also married to Tom Brady. Actually, the figure was of Bundchen and is the newest addition to the museum’s numerous and distinctive subjects.
Despite the museum being a setting for renowned figures, it offers conventional display areas within an informal and intimate spacial range. This allows for an interactive experience.
Dreamland is also on the vanguard of applying technology for a more thorough and comprehensive experience. By using a mobile app, the visitor is able to “see models come to life, speak and entertain throughout the museum.”
This is a great a chance to see and hear their involvement in terms of history and which has undeniably, often become so much established in local, national and international culture. The salience of the educational as well as the entertaining aspect of Dreamland cannot be overstated, as its Mission denotes that the museum’s objective is: “To create a city-centric museum that educates, entertains and offers meaningful experiences to our guests.” And “To provide an institution that connects the old with the new while nurturing an interest and appreciation for art and history.”
Certainly there is a plethora of history here in the city and Dreamland Wax Museum, a venue where one can observe and learn about some of the more notable historical events of the area, is a convenient location for both locals and for those who are visiting. For further information about hours and events, Boston Dreamland Wax Museum can be contacted by email at: info@dreamlandwaxmuseum.com, or by calling at 857 233-5437. The museum is opened 7 days a week and is located across from Boston City Hall at 1 Washington Mall, Boston.
