10 Michael Jackson items and counting at Ponte 16

Macau’s Ponte 16 casino will become the unlikely Mecca for Michael Jackson fans next year when ten pieces of iconic MJ memorabilia, including the cream leather rhinestone glove he wore for his first Moonwalk performance on television, will be displayed in a public gallery next year.

Jacko’s glove was sold to Hoffman Ma, deputy chief executive of the casino, at New York’s Julien’s Auctions at a whopping US$350,000 -- eight times the auctioneer’s minimum estimated price.

‘We’re a bit surprised that we were able to acquire the glove, as there’s a high demand for it among bidders. On top of setting up a permanent Michael Jackson exhibition in our lobby, we’re also interested in purchasing more MJ items to add to our collection,” said the Ponte 16’s marketing manager Carol Lei.

"We aim to create a “rendezvous” to reminisce this great performer of the 20th century,” said Ma in the release, adding that the group plans to make the casino “a gathering place in Asia for his fans.”

Here’s a look at the iconic glove and the other nine Michael Jackson items that the casino bagged.