Thursday, June 29, 2023 | 2 a.m.
Powered by Nevada Division of Museums and History
It’s flair, sparkle and pure, refined talent—he’s the one and only Liberace. The legendary showman, beloved worldwide and especially so in Las Vegas, lived a uniquely memorable life. From humble upbringings to superstardom, Liberace was a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Through the end of the year, the Nevada State Museum, in cooperation with the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, is celebrating his life with an exhibit showcasing his costumes, pianos, photos, personal relics and more. Liberace: Real and Beyond takes guests on a tour through his life, including his first foray into fame, his influence during the Big Band era, the easy-listening style of the ’60s and ’70s, the decadent ’80s, and his trademark campy stage persona.
About Liberace
Born Wladziu Valentino Liberace to poor Polish-Italian immigrants in Wisconsin, his prodigy became clear from an early age. At 14 years old, he performed as a solo pianist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was regarded for his technique and ability to perform complicated pieces. His talent was nurtured by his musical parents, especially his father, who played the French horn. As Liberace’s talent grew, the accepted path for him was classical recitals and higher education. Instead, he chose to become a showman.
He played everything from weddings, to cabarets, to strip clubs, and became a star in the ’50s after a string of successful records and appearances in television and film. His stage presence became increasingly campy and flamboyant, including fur, feathers, rhinestones and sequins—all while playing an array of classical and modern music with a candelabra famously placed on his piano. His career spanned more than 40 years before his death in the late ’80s.
Inside the exhibit
Tracing his remarkable career, Liberace: Real and Beyond is a glimpse into his life, legacy and legend. It features rarely seen costumes and lesser-known facts about his life, including his religious devotion, ability to break down racial barriers in a segregated America, and mentoring young talent. Here’s what you can expect as you make your way through the exhibit:
Section 1 - 1930s & 1940s - Becoming Liberace
Liberace’s childhood, early training and influences.
Section 2 - 1950s - A Star is Born
A retrospective in the movies he starred in, his early costumes, and the introduction of the candelabra on stage.
Section 3 - 1960s & 1970s - Joie de Vivre
Exploring Liberace’s other passions, this section highlights his love for cooking, entertaining and his religious devotion as a Roman Catholic.
Section 4 - 1980s - Garden of Earthly Pleasures
An in-depth look at the costumes and decadent stage appearances of the ’80s. Here you’ll find the rhinestone piano, cherub candelabra, and much more.
Section 5 - 1930s-1980s - Revelations and Influence
Dissecting Liberace’s ability to cross racial and social barriers, scholars of classical music examining his technique, and his ongoing influence in pop culture.
The exhibit runs from now to Dec. 31 at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.
