Marcia Abramson
I resisted that temptation and headed toward the transportation provided by the Mirage Hotel for the Society of American Travel Writers.The Mirage is one of the hotels on the 31/2 miles of Las Vegas Boulevard, referred to as the Strip or world capital of spur-of-the-moment-wedding chapels, twinkling neon lights, high-rise hotels, all-you-can-eat buffets and every kind and time of day and night gambling. Las Vegas, in its early years, was the domain of gangster Bugsy Siegal, the playground of the Rat Pack that included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and their pals, the hideout for the elusive millionaire Howard Hughes and the demise of the addicted Elvis Presley.On my recent trip to Las Vegas I experienced a good portion of its unique role in the American cultural spectrum from Elvis impersonators, well endowed showgirls, the bare chested male Chesterfields, neon lights and world famous art masterpiece exhibits.I was never a fan of Liberace, considered by many a legendary entertainer However, a visit to the Liberace Museum changed my opinion of this artist. This museum is a must see for a glimpse into his life and his devotion to his mother. I was also impressed by his vast collection of jewelry, miniature pianos, a Louis XV desk and bedroom suite (obtained by purchasing for more than a million dollars all the contents of the antique shop where they were on display) and fabulous jeweled rhinestone decorated costumes and collection of mink capes (some weighing 200 pounds). I also learned from the docent at the museum that he befriended Elvis Presley and guided his early career and ornate wardrobe selections because both he and Elvis had still-born twin brothers.Additionally on display are his specially designed rhinestone piano and assortment of other rare world famous pianos and a unique specially crafted gold sequined automobile that he drove at his home in Palm Springs, California and other rhinestone coated cars. Incidentally, his license plate was "88 keys" and were all decorated with his trademarked candelabras. This man was the ultimate showman and really came to life for me at his museum.Las Vegas' history is preserved at the Neon Museum with a collection of the glittering vintage classical neon signs. A one-of-a kind museum devoted to gaming, The Casino Legends Hall of Fame is located at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino and features the largest collection of gaming, casino and entertainment memorabilia ever assembled. Elvis, the King lives at the Elvis-A-Rama Museum. The exhibits include more than $4 million worth of Elvis' personal belongings including his signature bejeweled jumpsuits. And then there is (the legally blind) Steve Wynn's art gallery in the $1.9 billion hotel-casino, Bellagio. (Incidentally these Steve Wynn properties including the MGM Grand, the Mirage and the Bellagio were taken from Steve Wynn in a hostile takeover). However, this did not deter Steve Wynn from building the most elegant and tallest 51- story hotel the Wynn that just opened with a breath taking art collection. Art critics were dubious, but the public praised Wynn's efforts when the Gallery of Fine Art opened and brought Las Vegas to the forefront of the art scene. Fine art galleries began locating in the Strip featuring masterpieces by celebrated artists. In October of 2001, the Guggenheim-Heritage Museum opened to the public at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino. This collaboration was the first joint venture between the State Hermitage Museum in St., the Guggenheim-Heritage Museum opened to the public at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino. This collaboration was the first joint venture between the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia and New York's Solomon R.Guggenheim Foundation.The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents traveling art exhibitions from around the world, showcasing everything from Faberge designs from St. Petersburg, Russia to paintings by Claude Monet on loan from Boston's Museum of Fine ArtsAs a matter of fact, the Bellagio additionally has an exquisite gourmet restaurant, the"Picasso" where I had dinner with the ambiance of original Picasso's adorning the walls and fois gras and lobster bedecking my plates. Future columns will feature some other fine dining experiences in Las Vegas as well as additional cultural events on the second Broadway.
© Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail:mascribe @aol.com
