From Casinos to Museums

At least $75 million. . . That's how much Christies' Elaine Wynn auction is likely to fetch in November.

The late co-founder of Wynn Resorts (launched by Elaine and ex-husband Steve Wynn) owned art spanning centuries and geographies. 

Painters in the collection include J.M.W. Turner, Richard Diebenkorn, Henri Matisse, and Joan Mitchell. The philanthropist and business magnate also acquired works from today's talents, ranging from Jenny Holzer to Jim Hodges. 

Another special piece is on its way to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where Elaine was board co-chair. Francis Bacon's Three Studies of Lucian Freud, for which Elaine paid over $142 million at a Christie's auction, will go on view as part of next year's opening of LACMA's new building, the David Geffen Galleries. In fact, the north wing has been named for Wynn, who donated $50 million for the new structure. Geffen contributed $150 million.

And according to Town & Country magazine, LACMA inspired Wynn's vision to build a contemporary art museum in Sin City. Hopes are high that the Las Vegas Museum of Art, which has partnered with LACMA, will open in 2028.