Liberace opened the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas on April 15, 1979; its profits went toward supporting the Liberace Foundation. Overseen by he and his brother, George, the museum had two buildings: one housing the majority of his stage costumes and jewelry, the other for his pianos and cars.
In 2010, in the midst of a difficult economy, the Liberace Museum closed its doors. The Foundation is now entirely funded by private donations, while the museum’s Board of Directors continues to seek a new home.
On its final day, hundreds of Liberace’s fans flocked to the museum, lining up well before its opening, to get one more look at the performer’s fabulous costumes. It is said that at the end of the day, fans and employees stood together, some crying, others simply hugging one another. Then, just as the gates shut for the final time, the thunderstorm that had been raging all day eased. The clouds retreated and a double rainbow colored the sky.
Liberace outside the Liberace Museum.
Clockwise from top left: Liberace hand-painting a shirt. Liberace at a 1950s Christmas party. Liberace in a plaid sport coat.