Liberace

 

 

You may not have like him but the man could sure play a piano

 

He quickly learned that if you added glitz, glitter and zany to talent you created famous. After one of his two year tours he made the statement he hated to take the money because he had such a good time but to the bank he went and later even laughing said he bought one.

 

In 1978, Liberace built a museum to himself and to his opulent tastes in Las Vegas.

 The museum contained Liberace's collection of smaltzy cars, a gold casting of Liberace's hands, dozens of candelabras

 a painting of his mother, a rotating rhinestone-covered piano,

 the multi-million dollar stage wardrobe,

his collection of rare and antique pianos,

the glittering stage jewelry,

 not to mention the world's largest rhinestone.

 

and all other things that glittered and sparkled

 

even rare Moser crystal from his home country of Czechoslovakia. Liberace owned service for 12, with 14 individual glasses for each setting

 

Even nine years after Liberace's death from complication of aids on Feb. 4, 1987 the Museum remained one of the most popular tourist attraction in Las Vegas.

 but after 31 years of operation, the Liberace Museum  closed its doors Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010

 

 So the big question................where is it all now?

 

 

 

When Liberace passed away in February 1987 he left the majority of his estate to the Liberace Foundation and the museum was a key source of funding. Aside from getting to learn about the famous entertainer and see some of his lavish costumes and cars up close, guests who visited the museum helped donate to the foundation through their admission. Since its creation the foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to 2,700 students.

 

This was the last I could find and it was not dated.....

The good news is that Liberace’s collection including his exotic cars and a million-dollar wardrobe will still see the light of day. The memorabilia will continue to be maintained, and a national touring exhibit is being planned. The Liberace Foundation will also still continue to operate and raise money for scholarships.