About Us
About The Liberace Mansion
The Liberace Mansion is rich in Las Vegas entertainment history, glamour and design. It has a story to tell. One of internationally acclaimed showman and piano virtuoso and showman Wladziu Valentino Liberace (1919-1987), who created the 14,393-square-foot residence by combining two homes into one at 4982 Shirley St. in the 1970s and lived in it part-time until his death. The other story is of its journey to becoming the first residential property to become a Historic Landmark in Clark County, Nevada, on March 2, 2016, after undergoing extensive restoration by its current owner Martyn James Ravenhill.
The mansion celebrates the creativity, artistic, and humanitarian legacy of Liberace. We engage a diverse audience by providing context to The Liberace Mansion, through our interpretive and public programs, and preservation of this historical estate. The lavish features of the property remain in existence today and reflect the climb to international fame and fortune of “Mr. Showmanship.”
The Liberace Mansion at 4982 Shirley Street is tucked away in an otherwise understated neighborhood located between the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and McCarran International Airport. It is owned by United Kingdom businessman Martyn James Ravenhill, who has made a project out of restoring the place to preserve the opulent icon’s legacy.
Wladziu Valentino Liberace bought the property in 1974 and it has contributed to Las Vegas’ history even after Liberace’s death in 1987. Ownership changes saw it as an event space, making it the backdrop of weddings and some proms.
A 2006 purchase for $3.7 million led to a starring role in one Las Vegas’ sadder stories: The housing crisis.
The 2010 foreclosure left the villa in disrepair, but it also attracted attention. Ravenhill learned that the 14,393-square-foot home was for sale and ended up snagging it for $500,000. The Liberace fan has since made it a mission to bring Liberace’s luster back to the space.
“The historical designation will help safeguard the vision and initial design of the residence as envisioned and executed by Liberace, and to preserve the integrity and maintenance of the mansion,” according to the application to the Clark County Commissioners in its bid for Historical Landmark designation. It also boasts the new status, “…will allow Liberace’s legacy to continue to bring joy to many star-enthralled visitors.”
Commissioner Mary Beth Scow, whose district includes the mansion, said: “The county historic designation is fairly new, and the Liberace Mansion was the first place to try for it.”
“I think it will be a nice addition to the community to have it as a historical designation,” Scow continued, “it’s one more thing in Las Vegas that entices people here.”
Since securing the designation, the mansion has opened for private appointment-only tours and private events, and the Friends of The Liberace Mansion nonprofit organization has developed to support its continued restoration and preservation and music education.