Giuliani gets a close look at art he likes and gaming money

Martin Kuz

Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999 | 10:35 a.m.

New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a day after his city was sued by the Brooklyn Museum of Art, toured the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and collected $100,000 during a fund-raising swing through Las Vegas Wednesday.

Giuliani, considered a likely Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in New York next year, spoke at a $1,000-a-plate luncheon at the Bellagio hosted by Steve Wynn, chairman of Mirage Resorts Inc. Prior to Giuliani's address, Wynn escorted the mayor through the resort's art gallery, home to a $350 million collection of masterpieces by the likes of Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh.

Trustees of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, responding to Giuliani's recent threat to cut $7 million in funding to the institution because of a controversial new exhibit, sued New York City in federal court Tuesday accusing him of violating the First Amendment.

The two-term mayor avoided mention of the museum flap during his private appearance before 75 gaming and business executives at the Bellagio, according to Giuliani political aide Bruce Teitelbaum.

Giuliani's comments instead focused on his efforts as mayor to create jobs and slash taxes. In addition, he said New York might consider legalizing gambling if a state gaming commission were established that matched the strength of similar governing bodies in Nevada and New Jersey, Mirage Resorts spokesman Alan Feldman said.

Wynn also spoke at the function and pledged his support of Giuliani, whose potential Senate candidacy could pit him against first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Democrat. Clinton will be in Las Vegas Nov. 4.

Wynn, a potent presence in Nevada and national politics, has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Republican and Democratic candidates and their parties in recent years. He praised Giuliani's "wonderful common sense" and his "fearless approach" in reducing crime and improving education in New York City, Feldman said.

Asked after his address about the Brooklyn museum lawsuit, Giuliani said it was unfortunate the conflict will now move to court, but gave no indication of backing down, Feldman said. Giuliani threatened to yank the museum's city funding after learning that its upcoming exhibit of British art includes a dung-decorated portrait of the Virgin Mary.

None of the artwork at the Bellagio gallery offended Giuliani, Feldman added.

"He thought it was quite impressive," Feldman said.