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Mr. Showmanship, Liberace.

It's the end of an era in Las Vegas. The Liberace Museum, dedicated to the memory of the flamboyant entertainer, is closing its doors Oct. 17 after 31 years.

End of an era

The Liberace Museum in Las Vegas is closing its doors Oct. 17 after 31 years.

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A child prodigy

Wladziu Valentino Liberace, born in 1919 in Wisconsin to working class Polish-Italian immigrant parents, was a child prodigy who by age 20 had performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

— Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives

A new direction

Liberace cut his classical concert pianist career short for a life in show business, adding more contemporary music to his performances.

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Mr. Showmanship

Liberace during one of his performances in Las Vegas, complete with a trademark candelabra and extravagant outfit. He was known for his ability to dazzle audiences as much as for his piano playing.

— Jan Persson / Redferns

Liberace's influence

Liberace, seen here with Elvis, is credited with influencing entertainers from the King to Michael Jackson to Elton John and Lady Gaga.

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Two entertainers

Liberace and Michael Jackson on March 24, 1984.

— Ron Galella / WireImage

A little glitz

Liberace was known as much for his glitzy costumes as his piano playing.

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A little sparkle

Liberace was a Las Vegas icon for almost 40 years.

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A lengthy career

During his long career, Liberace acquired an astounding array of prestigious awards, including: Instrumentalist of the Year, Best Dressed Entertainer and Entertainer of the Year. He also earned two Emmy Awards, six gold albums, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's highest paid musician and pianist. Liberace died on Feb. 4, 1987.

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