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Liberace Museum & Foundation
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28 reviews for Liberace Museum & Foundation
I loved this museum, and let me tell you, I'm not even a Liberace fan.
You'll learn about the history of the bedazzled man himself, you'll see his outrageous cars, you'll gawk at his over the top (and HEAVY--250 lbs!) costumes, and maybe you'll even leave with a Liberace vest and hat from the gift shop (see pics).
There are two parts to the museum (they're across from each other in the parking lot). One houses his cars/pianos and the other houses his home furnishings/costumes. Photos are allowed, just don't use flash. The people running the place were really nice and seemed eager to educate you on anything Liberace if you inquired. Overall, a definite two thumbs up--see it for yourself!
*See pics*
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Like cheese? This is the museum of the cheese master himself!
We were in Vegas with a friend who wanted to check this museum out. It was not even on our radar, but we thought 'what the hell' and went. What a FUN place! They have the biggest rhinestone in the world, a totally rhinestoned vehicle (yep, done before Paris blinged out her sidekick) and lots of Liberace's CRAZY costumes are on display.
This man was an incredible musician and showman. This museum is a testament to the greatness that he was. Cheesy, yes...but still an American icon who can still be appreciated by everyone in this day and age.
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This is a nice little museum. I took a star off only because it's stuck in a fairly inaccessible part of town, so you have to wait around for a taxi or shuttle to get back to the Strip if you're staying there, and there's nothing around like a coffee shop to help you pass the time while you wait.
The museum runs its own shuttles and if you ride on those you get treated to a little movie of a Liberace show while you're traveling, which is nice for setting the mood. The museum itself didn't seem to have any videos being shown of Liberace's performances, which is a shame.
You'll probably enjoy this museum more if you do a little research on Liberace before you go. He was definitely the precursor to Elton John and glam rock. It's kind of sad to see his life reduced to wild costumes, an entire collection of pianos, and blinged-out cars in a slightly dingy little museum, but it beats having them auctioned off or stuck away in a warehouse to rot.
The place is in a little strip mall so hopefully someone will get the gumption to open up an ice cream stand or something that you can visit when you're done with the museum, so you won't have to just sit around on the curb waiting for your ride.
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If you like blue hair and 'tude
This is the place for you dude
If you like gaudy and outrageous
This place is contagious
Seriously, "I wish my brother George was here."
And we wish you were still around too Libby.
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I've never heard Liberace exclusively and didn't know anything about him before going here. If you are able to go, make sure you go on the tour because they give you extensive background information on his life and all the costumes, pianos and cars here collected that are there.
I can't say I'm a huge fan of him even now but this guy was a very ambitious person and the museum displays some very luxurious pianos and cars he collected throughout the years. It also displays many of his eccentric costumes he wore at performances.
I'm not sure it was worth the $15 but I was definitely entertained and the lady who gave us the tour was very excited about talking. She helped it to be easy to see and learn about Liberace.
Fun way to spend a couple of hours off the strip.
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I think if good ol' Walter had Bernie Taupin for a tag-team buddy, he would be the OG Rocketmannnnn! Upon entering, I was immediately thinking Bad Idea, can I still get my money back, sweet lawd jeebus what is this. But then once I allowed the fruity festivities to permeate my senses, I understood what a spectacle this guy must have been back in his heyday. I know he was criticized by purists for bastardizing classical music for the masses, but talk about putting the "Ow!" in Showmanship. Seeing all the over-the-top sequins, feather boas, glitter and capes made me think Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Alice Cooper, etc.
I can only imagine how this guy's shows must have been. Vehicles on stage, pyro, hundreds of costume changes....though the stuff in this building alone would have been excessive for any reasonable touring act, I'm almost scared when I realize it's just a small representation of the spectacle. Everything over the top. I'm amazed those damn furry pianos are even playable. Insane.
The location adds to the kitsch value, too. Far removed from the Strip in a small plaza on the southeastern side, you see the roadside sign and go WTF? Then you check it out and are power-checked by the fanatical devotees, i.e. lovable old ladies described by the other reviewers. The protectiveness and security normally reserved for Faberge Eggs and Popemobiles is the perfect topping for the garish, "Aww, no he didn't!" nature of what you're viewing.
Perfect for post-drunk Friday and Saturday outings. The ultimate "WTF?"-fest. Did you know Salieri hated Liberace's ass because he never got a gold car? True story.
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God bless you, Lee. The man certainly knew how to collect. You can't buy good taste, but you can have one hell of a time trying. Housed in two buildings are the greatest collection of rhinestoned cars, pianos, costumes and other ephemera. There isn't anyone left like Liberace anymore. Could you picture the people of the future flocking to the Museum of Eddie Vedder? I can't.
Take the cab ride to "God's country," as one too many cab drivers put it and check this place out. Then have a great lunch at Carluccio's. Or, do what I did. See Liberace and then take the shuttle back to Excalibur and see Tourament of Kings!
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Whimsy and magic rolled into one beautiful Swarovski crystal.
I had so much fun at the museum. Tons of fabulous memorabilia from Liberace's life are scattered all around the beautiful museum.
The outfits were my favorite part - his sense of fashion was unique, to say the least. His pianos were beautiful and he was a great player.
Definitely make a visit out to the museum if you go to Vegas. The museum offers free shuttle service to and from pre-determined points (they're close to all the hotels on the strip).
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Yes, you have to go. Take a cab or a bus and get yourself to this random strip mall that houses, like, a Korean restaurant, a tap dance studio, and the Liberace Museum.
A word of advice: you must not laugh or make fun, not even when you see the giant cardboard cut-out of Liberace wearing red, white, and blue hot-pants. The nice ladies who work there don't see anything funny about the place whatsoever.
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I was really impressed with this little museum. I hadn't gone yet, even though I live only a few steps away. When mom came to town, we went. I always knew that Liberace put on a great *show*, and was worth seeing even if you didn't care for him or his music. I was doubly impressed after seeing the costumes and learning how much they weighed! I don't know if I could have even dragged myself across the stage, much less performed, in a 200-pound-plus costume. I enjoyed the piano collection, especially the antique pianos. I would liked to have heard how they sounded. I didn't realize that Liberace collected cars, as well. I'm not a car buff, but coming from Reno and having spent my teen years there during the era of the Harrah's Automobile Collection, I do appreciate antique cars.
It isn't all that far off the strip, really. If you stroll/ride/drive down the Strip to Tropicana, you can catch a transit bus that goes right down Tropicana and stops across the street from the museum. That will set you back a whole $1.75 each way. That's if you don't want to wait for the free shuttle, coming or going.
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You don't have to love Liberace to love the Liberace museum. I had only sketchy memories of Lee before I came here, but I left feeling disappointed that I had never seen a Liberace show. It's that kind of place.
Liberace is too big for just one museum, so the collection is spread over two buildings. The first one houses his cars and pianos, as well as a timeline of his life and accomplishments, lavishly illustrated with personal photos and magazine covers. Liberace with Paderewski. Liberace with Queen Elizabeth. Liberace with Elvis. Yes, you read that right. See cars covered with mirrors, or rhinestones, or painted red, white, and blue for the bicentennial. It's almost too much to take in, but you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Because the second building contains Liberace's costumes and jewelry. Now, if you don't know anything about Liberace, you know he's a;ll about costumes and jewelry. You want a 300 lb cape covered with pink ostrich feathers? You got it. You want red, white and blue hot pants worn by a 57 year old queen? Here they are. You want to see the world's largest rhinestone? Step right up!
It's easy to mock Liberace, but one of the things that comes across through the museum is just how genuine he was. Sure, his life was all about artifice, but he reveled in it, rather than hiding behind it. And he seemed to have more fun than any of our contemporary dour, issue-addled performers.
The women who run the museum -- and it's mostly women - are not just curators or docents or whatever, they are high priestesses to the cult of Liberace. They know his life inside and out, and will gladly share their knowledge with you for the price of nothing more than a little time and a willing ear. They forgive him his trespasses and homosexuality, because he will always be their king.
Unless you're really into Liberace's music, skip the tribute show. I'm sure the performer is skilled, but it's not an impersonation -- which I'm sure the priestesses wouldn't allow -- so it's just a bunch of not-as-good performances.
I've been to the Liberace Museum three times in as many years. Any time I'm in Vegas with friends who haven't been there, I have to drag them. (There's a shuttle to the Strip.) None of them have been disappointed.
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This is a must for any TRUE Vegas fan..
Its a little far off the strip but they have a wonderful shuttle service that will pick you up/drop you back off at your hotel for free. We took this & it was a short pleasant trip with very nice people & a great driver..
The museum is a lot of fun with a lot to see.. the costumes are AMAZING of course & the people working there are sooooo nice its sick..
This is one of the best things in Vegas and I would recommend for everyone to go here because you won't be disappointed at all!!
Thank you Liberace Museum for holding your own in Vegas that is getting less & less cheesy everyday!!
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One of the best museums Iv'e been! Worth it, super talent! 3 stars, cuz very small. Wish there was more!
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I must admit I came here expecting a broken down carnival akin to the now-defunct Exotic World Burlesque Hall of Fame. But ultimately the Liberace Museum, underneath the mirrors, sequins, and rhinestones, is a surprisingly earnest tribute to one of the most flamboyant Vegas performers.
The level of "supervision" from the staff borders on ridiculous at times, constantly reminding you to not use flash photography. What, the flash will destroy the rhinestones?
If you don't know much about Liberace, you'll soon learn his family history and candelabra-inspired rise to stardom. The amount of items and Liberace history is just the right amount. Spread over two separate buildings, you'll get to see a sampling of Lee's outrageous cars, costumes, and pianos.
This is not to say the museum is not kitschy - there's more bling in this place than on the set of a Li'l John video shoot. But unexpectedly, I left the museum with a new respect for Liberace - the original Elton John.
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People often ask me what it was like to grow up in Las Vegas.
If you come of age in Las Vegas and manage to make it to high school without dropping out to dance on a pole or valet park cars for a living, your prom gets held at impressive landmarks like the Liberace Museum. Surreal, no doubt. Especially when you're posing for pictures in your too-fancy gown and matching shoes in the re-creation of Liberace's master bedroom!
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My parents were big fans of Liberace, so of course, I grew up with his music. As a child, I was amazed by his showmanship, the costumes, the mirrored piano, the diamonds! I went to a few of his concerts, and he was just loved by his audience - as he loved them. I loved all those showy costumes.
With that said, on one trip to Vegas with my parents, we decided to leave the comfort of the strip and visit the Liberace Museum. I'm a fan, so I must say, I enjoyed it a lot. I loved being able to see the costumes and pianos close up. It was a little sad to see the diamond encrusted piano shaped ring that I had once seen on the musician's own hand during a show, sitting among other pieces in a glass case.
Make sure you arrange taxi service to pick you up, or have a number handy, because they're a rare occurrence in that part of town.
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Liberace made me want to cry. Before this museum, I thought Liberace was just a man with a penchant for shiny. After this museum, I thought Liberace was a charming philanthropist.
Liberace's longtime cook was chilling in the cafe, and my friend had the guts to ask her to sign our cookbooks. Apparently Liberace put her entire family through college.
The only thing I wish they had was a few pairs of his underwear. I think that's just my personal twisted fantasy...
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I came here knowing little about Liberace except he was very flamboyant and died of AIDS, so I was not expecting much. I must say this was a highlight of my trip. For starters, take the tour. The tour guide was very informative and really helped paint a picture of Liberace that the pictures and text descriptions could not provide.
The museum is housed in two buildings, one is an old bank. Liberace (or I suppose the estate now) owns the entire plaza and rents out spaces. Liberace started this museum and had his practice studio where the second part of the museum sits. He also owned Tivoli Gardens (the restaurant was formerly Liberace's Tivoli Gardens) and would entertain by taking friends through his museum, then playing for them, and then taking them to dinner. The restaurant is now Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens but the restaurant still looks the way it did when Liberace owned it, all of the furniture is his. It was closed when I was there, but pictures indicate it's a sight to behold.
He was quite a character and the tour was well worth waiting for. We missed the weekly impersonation performer, but during our tour he was still around (out of costume) and he played for us which was a treat. I didn't expect much, but was very glad I saw this. Be sure to take the tour.
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This is OLD SCHOOL Vegas. HIP Vegas. GLITTER Vegas. MARRIED BY AN ELVIS Vegas. The way Vegas is meant to be enjoyed -- not the modern day way which includes visiting 12 Ann Taylors and eating at a Cheesecake Factory.
There's nothing I can say that will enhance the reviews that have already been posted, but heed their call .... Leave the strip. Take the tour. Prepare to be dazzled. The Liberace Museum is GOOD NEWS.
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THE place to go to visit one of the Kings of Kitsch. Visiting the Liberace Museum was well worth the trip in and of itself. My only regret is that we didn't take pictures, but that shall be remedied our next visit.
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This place is charming but it is mobbed with overprotective little old ladies. Liberace was a good piano player but he emphasized flash over substance. He mainly did covers. I wish someone brought some substance to Las Vegas. The frontier was founded by gamblers and hard men. Where is the love? Also, I wish the museum was located in one large warehouse instead of two. The location (old plaza) is uninspiring as well.
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Sunglasses will help deflect the glare emanating from everything in view. At the entrance to this over-the-top exhibit is a giant pink piano, leading to the two buildings it takes to house the showman's collection of memorabilia, with items ranging from the very kitschy to the truly fabulous. About Liberace, it cannot be denied that, beneath the glitz, he was an accomplished pianist; despite his fey demeanor, he inexplicably had women of a certain age swooning at his feet; and his tastes were both extravagant and tacky. Here you'll find eighteen of his thirty-nine pianos (including a rhinestone-covered Baldwin), a Rolls Royce encased in mirror tiles, and a costume gallery featuring his first gold lame jacket, red-white-and-blue hot pants, a pink feathered cape, and a candelabra-shaped ring with platinum candlesticks and diamond flames that puts any contemporay hip hop artist's bling to shame. A Walk of Fame showcases his many awards; a recreation of his Palm Springs bedroom is filled with pieces of rare Moser crystal. There's a cafe serving sandwiches, salads, and specialty coffees, and three days a week the winner of a Liberace sound-alike competition - in piano playing, not vocal inflection - entertains visitors with a musical tribute. Let's face it though . . . nothing will ever beat the one-and-only original.
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Deserves more stars. If seeing the worlds largest rhine stone or a disco ball mirrored rolls royce doesn't appeal to you why the fuck did you come to vegas anyway dipshit.
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Lee! Lee! I can feel your presence! For anyone who has ever enjoyed the music, the exuberance, the jokes, the whimsy that is Liberace, this museum (curiously split into two halves) will leave you smiling and wishing more of life was covered in crystals (Swarovski) and more people indulged in the lavish pursuit of happiness. Liberace's life comes alive as you walk past his favorite pianos, automobiles furnishings and stage costumes. The people who work at the museum LOVE Liberace and are eager to joke and share stories about his life with each pilgrim who enters these hallowed halls! My partner was even allowed to play Liberace's famous mirror-covered Baldwin piano complete with plexiglass lid! A fun afternoon treat far away from the Strip. Note- take them up on thei free car service to the Strip, getting a cab is hell on earth!
One of the best kept secrets in Las Vegas BY FAR. Liberace is as flamboyant in death as he was in life, and this museum pays tribute to this fact. From the rhinestone covered piano, to the random, outrageous facts of his life, you simply have to see this collection for yourself. I always wonder how many people visit this museum in a year, because it always seems to be pushing people along. Every native Las Vegan I know has been to Liberace museum at least once in their lifetime, so in order to be initiated as a true Las Vegan, you have to mosey on down to Liberace for your rite of passage!
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If you were a fan of Liberace you will like this place. It is filled with many interesting items and his collection of cars and pianos. I am a car buff and thought that the cars were very interesting. When you are in vegas come and visit the original King of Bling.
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This is an experience that cannot be missed. A museum in a strip mall. Cosumes, jewlery and a movie about a man who was over the top before it was a phrase. Ask the cab that brings you to pick you up in an hour. Go directly to the building with the neon piano and start browsing. Ask, any of the ladies there about an exhibit and you will hear amazing background about the piece. You will be immersed in rinestones, glitter, ostrich plumes and more. A MUST SEE.
I don't know if Liberace would spin in his grave knowing his legacy is displayed in a Vegas strip mall, or if he'd relish that fact. Either way, the Liberace Museum is housed in two separate buildings at a strip mall that is a few minutes' drive from the Strip. The admission was $12 for adults, but if you think ahead and pick up one of those tourist attraction mags, there should be a 1/2 off coupon. One of the buildings houses Liberace's cars and pianos, as well as a detailed timeline of Liberace's life. The second building across the parking lot has some of his costumes, jewelry, the largest rhinestone in the world, and a replica of his bedroom (mysteriously with two twin luxury beds). Apparently, there is a Liberace impersonator who performs in the second building on certain days of the week. We were able to see everything in an hour, or maybe a bit less than that--I thought there'd be rooms upon rooms of pianos, capes, costumes, candelabra, etc. I really wish they had more costumes, as what they had only whetted the appetite for ostrich feathers and velvet. There is a free shuttle that does pickups and dropoffs at certain casinos on the Strip. We weren't staying at one of those places, but the driver was nice enough to take us to our hotel.
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