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Russian Art Debuts at Rio

Crowds of visitors flocked to the Rio Suite Hotel & Casino to be among the first to see the largest collection of historic Russian art objects ever shown in the United States—"Treasures of Russia"—which opened to the public November 7.

Tickets sold out almost immediately to the nearly 10,000 guests who viewed the never-before-seen collection of more than 1,150 objets d'art and priceless Faberge works its opening weekend.

"The Rio is proud to bring this extraordinary collection to the United States and to Las Vegas," Anthony A. Marnell, II, Rio's Chairman and CEO said. "We feel that this exhibit is a significant historical event and will provide an unprecedented opportunity for our guests to experience, first-hand, Russia's incredible history."

To kick off the opening, a gala grand opening celebration was held November 5. Special guests to the event included Russian dignitaries Dr. Vadim V. Znamenov, General Director of The State Museum Reserve-Peterhof, who spoke on behalf of Peterhof, and Consuls General Yury Popovv (Russian Consulate, San Francisco) who made a special presentation to the hotel and Nevada State Governor Bob Miller. Anthony A. Marnell, II, Rio's Chairman and CEO and James A. Barrett, President of the Rio, addressed the specifics of the exhibit and the Rio's involvement. In addition, great-great-great-great-great granddaughter to Catherine the Great and royal celebrity Catherine Oxenburg was on hand for the special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following, live authentic Russian entertainment filled the event with folk dancers, Siberian tigers, contortionists, ballerinas and more.

The result of an exclusive arrangement with The State Museum Reserve-Peterhof and the world-class Rio resort, the "Treasures of Russia" will be exhibited for less than six months (Nov. 7, 1998 through April 15, 1999). The unprecedented exhibit features more than 1,150 priceless objets d'art and Faberge pieces and affords visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience some of Russia's most inspiring history. This historic event is made possible by the Rio with assistance of the major sponsors Bank of America and Bernard K. Passman, advertising partner CNN, and through sponsors International Game Technologies and Nevada Beverage Company.

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