Works of master artists go on display on Strip

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001 | 10:34 a.m.

Picasso, Manet and Matisse have a new home in Las Vegas.

The Wynn Collection, works of 19th- and 20th-century American and European masterpieces, opens to the public today in a new gallery at 3145 Las Vegas Blvd. South, the site of the former Desert Inn Resort.

The collection was assembled by Steve and Elaine Wynn over the past six years and includes more than a dozen works by eight artists.

The gallery is also intended to be an educational resource for local schoolchildren, according to Karolyn Graves, Wynn Resorts spokesperson.

Elaine Wynn has worked with the Clark County School District to create a fine arts appreciation program at the gallery.

The Desert Inn Resort was purchased by the Wynns in June 2000 and contains 212 acres of land and an 18-hole golf course. Steve Wynn plans to rebuild the property with a new resort; the first phase will be called "La Reve" -- the name of a Picasso painting on display at The Wynn Collection.

In addition to Picasso, Manet and Matisse, works by Paul Gaugin, Vincent van Gogh, Amedeo Modigliani and Paul Cezanne are on display at the gallery. Additionally, Andy Warhol's piece, "Steve Wynn (Gold, White, Red) is on display.

Viewing hours of The Wynn Collection are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children; Nevada residents pay $5 for adults and $3 for children.