Elaine Wynn, a co-founder of Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas who dedicated her billions to arts and education philanthropy, has passed away at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by her family foundation on Tuesday, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Known as the “Queen of Las Vegas,” Wynn and her former husband, Stephen A. Wynn, made significant contributions to Sin City by opening iconic hotels along the Las Vegas Strip, including the Mirage, Bellagio, and Wynn. As her wealth grew, she built one of the world’s top art collections and supported various arts and educational causes.
Wynn Resorts expressed their deep sadness at her passing and acknowledged her immense contribution to the company as a co-founder and major shareholder. Her influence on the luxury resort brand remains evident in their establishments.
Her art collection includes works by renowned artists like Édouard Manet, Joan Mitchell, and Lucian Freud. Wynn made headlines in 2013 when she purchased Francis Bacon’s „Three Studies of Lucian Freud“ for $142.4 million, setting a record for the highest price achieved at auction.
As an arts philanthropist, Wynn played a key role in shaping the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and supporting educational initiatives. Her generous donations and leadership positions in various organizations left a lasting impact on the art and education sectors.
Wynn’s commitment to philanthropy extended to national nonprofits like Communities in Schools, where she served as a trustee and chairman. She believed in addressing children’s holistic needs to ensure they were receptive to learning.
Born in 1942 in New York, Wynn graduated from George Washington University with a degree in political science. Her partnership with Steve Wynn in the gaming and entertainment industry led them to Las Vegas in the late 1960s, where they made significant investments in hotels and resorts.
The Wynns‘ vision transformed the Las Vegas Strip with iconic establishments like the Mirage and Treasure Island, setting off a wave of redevelopment in the city. Elaine Wynn’s legacy as a philanthropist, art collector, and businesswoman continues to inspire many. Located on the former Dunes hotel and golf course, the Monte Carlo, now known as Park MGM, was opened in 1996 as a joint venture between Wynn’s Mirage Resorts and Circus Circus. This venture led to the opening of the iconic Bellagio in 1998, featuring a dancing water fountain, at a cost of $1.6 billion, making it the most expensive resort at the time.
Among the Bellagio’s attractions was the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, showcasing masterpieces owned by the company and the Wynns, including works by Monet, van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse. In 2000, MGM Grand Inc. acquired Mirage Resorts for $6.4 billion, leading to the launch of Wynn Resorts by the Wynns in 2002.
Wynn Resorts expanded internationally, opening properties in Macau, China, and planning one for the United Arab Emirates. Elaine Wynn, a major shareholder in Wynn Resorts, faced challenges in regaining voting rights to her shares after a divorce settlement.
In 2018, following reports of Steve Wynn’s alleged sexual misconduct, he resigned as CEO and Elaine regained voting rights and became the largest stakeholder in the company. She embarked on a campaign to remove board members loyal to Steve, aiming to restore the company’s integrity.
Elaine also focused on the arts in Las Vegas, partnering on the Las Vegas Museum of Art project. Scheduled to open in 2028, the museum will operate as a kunsthalle with a $50 million endowment, supported by Wynn’s subsidies. She described herself as an „angel donor“ for the project, emphasizing her commitment to leaving a positive legacy. „Ich dachte, was ist mein letztes Geschenk? Ich möchte einen Abdruck hinterlassen, der nicht nur meinen Namen auf einem Hotel-Casino trägt.“
Letzten Sommer, vor der Schließung des Mirage, nach fast 35 Jahren im Geschäft und der bevorstehenden Neuentwicklung als Hard Rock Las Vegas, nahm Wynn an der Abschlussfeier des Hotels teil.
„Es ist ein sehr bewegender Moment für mich, und ich habe die Auswirkungen erst realisiert, als ich das Gebäude betrat“, sagte Wynn während seiner Rede bei der Veranstaltung, so der Nevada Independent. „Aber das ist es, was wir in Las Vegas tun. Wir investieren wieder, wir erneuern und wir halten Las Vegas als eine der aufregendsten Städte der ganzen Welt.“