Art News

Fans Mourn Closing of Liberace Museum in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP).- The financially depleted Liberace Museum has closed, with no ceremonial toast or parting words from any museum official. Hundreds of visitors admired the feathered capes and bejeweled costumes of Liberace during its final hours Sunday, the Las Vegas sun reported. The move came as its finances decreased to the point that the attraction was in danger of draining the Liberace Foundation scholarship account. Outgoing museum director Tanya Combs, a 10-year employee, says closing the museum was like losing a family member. Among the fans lining up to visit the attraction was Stephen McClelland, who says Liberace represented a fading era of over-the-top showmanship, showgirls and great costumes.