276 Haili St.
Photo courtesy Hawai‘i State Archives
Evening Presentation:
David Kalākaua (r. 1874-1891) was Hawai‘i’s last king, its penultimate monarch, and the first ruling head of state to circumnavigate the globe. While his reign was not without controversy, he is still remembered fondly as the “Merrie Monarch” who successfully restored Hawaiian cultural arts and practices that had been suppressed for decades. Kalākaua was also fond of the trappings of European civilization, including military uniforms and royal orders, and was a 33° Freemason who constructed a Masonic Lodge meeting space in ‘Iolani Palace!
Irisgil Viacrusis, renowned artist and creator of exacting reproductions of the fashions of the Kalākaua era, returns to the Lyman Museum to share the impressive outcomes of his latest project: complete reproductions of the King’s Coronation regalia and his formal Masonic regalia. Iris’s earlier efforts included a commission by ‘Iolani Palace to recreate formal attire worn by two of Hawai‘i’s Queens; the King’s Regalia have been privately funded and will be a gift to the Palace. Join us to learn the stories behind these eye-catching garments and adornments, and how they figured in the history of Kalākaua’s reign, on your choice of two occasions: Monday evening, May 24, or the following afternoon, May 25.
Admission to these wonderful programs is free to Museum members, and $3.00 for nonmembers. Owing to COVID-19 safety restrictions, masks that meet CDC guidelines must be worn and physical distancing observed. Temperature checks will be made before you enter the Museum. Seating is therefore very limited; you must reserve your seat/s in advance by calling during business hours, and must check in at the front desk prior to the presentation. Check-in begins at 6:30PM Monday evening, 2:30PM Tuesday afternoon. First called, first reserved! ON MONDAY EVENINGS ONLY, additional parking is available next door at Hilo Union School, Kapiolani St. entrance; park, then walk through our green gate in the rock wall. E komo mai!
Please support the Museum by becoming a member, and enjoy all Saigo Series programs, all year round, at no charge!
