Governor de Jongh joined a cross-section of the St. Thomas community this afternoon at the opening of the latest attraction for both visitors and residents alike, the Magic Ice Gallery in downtown Charlotte Amalie. He said this new venture is “a tremendous addition to our business community and to the diversity of tourist activities offered on St. Thomas. Many Virgin Islanders will also find visiting this gallery a fascinating experience."

He said he was pleased to be at the grand opening of what he believes might be the best ice sculpture attraction “this side of Norway—certainly the best in the Caribbean.” He recalled that not too long ago, Kristen Holmen wrote him and raised the possibility of locating Magic North's sister gallery on St. Thomas. “While the request to display “art below zero” caught me a little off guard given our climate, I thought it was an exciting idea and encouraged Kristen and her partners to explore the possibility. It brings me so much pleasure today, almost two years later, to see Magic Ice ready to welcome its first round of visitors and open its doors to patrons who want to enjoy the magical experience of world-class ice sculpture on St. Thomas.”

The sculptures, carved from shimmering Nordic ice by renowned artisans, are truly spectacular. Touring the underwater-themed displays, the Ice Bar, the Norwegian history sculptures, the many works conveying the history of our region and home islands is almost another-worldly experience that is sure to mesmerize all. “And the kids will love it more than anyone, especially when they get to go slide down a hill of ice.” 

“This tour may be the first time in a long time that many of us will don some warm clothes on St. Thomas. Never before has the history of the Virgin Islands been portrayed in a sub-zero environment. To tour this gallery is an educational and inspirational experience—one that will be a must-stop attraction for the thousands of tourists that come to our islands every week. While we have no shortage of unique attractions here on St. Thomas, Magic Ice may just be the most unique and unexpected of them all, and those who return to the Virgin Islands year after year will eagerly anticipate visiting this gallery on their next vacation,” the governor said. 

He also noted that the development of the Magic Ice Gallery attraction is a pivotal part of his administration’s ongoing effort to revitalize downtown Charlotte Amalie. “Revitalizing the western end of Main Street is an initiative we have all been wanting to see come to fruition, this is the first step in that direction,” he noted.