Liberace Museum & Foundation   

1775 E Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-798-5595
www.liberace.org/

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As the saying goes, everything old is new again. After a $1 million expansion and renovation, the museum has done the seemingly impossible: made one of Vegas' most unique and kitschy attractions even better. The first of two buildings that comprise the museum houses the entertainer's piano, car and award galleries. Liberace owned 39 pianos, of which 18 are on display, including his rhinestone-covered Baldwin and his favorite concert grand piano, covered with thousands of etched mirror tiles. There are also countless miniatures, including one made entirely out of toothpicks by a fan. The rhinestone and mirror-tile trend continues in the car gallery (check out the Rolls Royce covered with mirror tiles, and the 1934 Mercedes Excalibur covered in Austrian rhinestones). Guests exit Building One to a patio designed like a giant record. Known as the Walk of Fame, this area showcases several of Liberace's plaques and awards. The kitsch continues as visitors enter through a giant rhinestone into Building Two (be sure to look for the 'Beer Barrell Polka' lyrics transcribed on the wall), which houses Liberace's costume gallery -- without a doubt the museum's highlight. Must-see exhibits include the original gold lame jacket that started it all, as well as the famous red, white and blue hot pants Liberace wore at Radio City Music Hall. Also on display is a pink feathered cape (discovered by a local dry cleaner -- guess Lee forgot to pick it up!) and one of the outfits he wore during his last performance in 1986. The piece de resistance of the jewelry section is a candelabra ring with platinum candlesticks and diamond flames. This second building is also home to a recreation of Liberace's Palm Springs bedroom. Serious fans delight in the pieces of rare Moser crystal from Czechoslovakia, one of only two collections ever hand-made; the other resides in Buckingham Palace. For hungry revelers, a museum cafe features specialty coffees, sandwiches and salads. Three days a week, pianist Wes Winters, winner of a Liberace soundalike piano competition, performs in 'A Musical Tribute.' The show price is separate from the museum admission fee.