Largest Collection of Russian Art Ever to be Exhibited in the U.S. Viewed by Record Number Guests

[Ole G. Tinko]

Monday February 22, 2:00 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Rio Hotel & Casino
Largest Collection of Russian Art Ever to be Exhibited in the U.S. Viewed by
Record Number Guests
Rio Suite Hotel & Casino Begins Preparations for Return to Russia
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Nov. 7. More than 200,000 visitors
to date have witnessed the never-before-seen collection of more than 1,150
objets d'art and priceless Faberge works its first three months opened.

``The Rio is proud to have brought such an extraordinary collection to the
United States and to Las Vegas,'' Thomas A. Roberts, Rio's Vice President of
Development said. ``We feel that this exhibit is a significant historical
event, that has provided an unprecedented opportunity for our guests to
experience, first-hand, Russia's incredible history. And in turn, has served
to elevate the standard in Las Vegas entertainment.''

Amongst the crowds of visitors, 16,000 Nevada school children have already
been provided the opportunity to see the exhibit at no cost, through the Rio
Suite Hotel & Casino and its comprehensive education outreach program. As
well, thousands more will view the exhibit before its departure.

Displayed only through April 15, 1999, the Rio Suite Hotel & Casino has now
begun the elaborate preparations to ensure the safe return of the more than
1,150 antiquities to the Palaces of Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia. Alone,
more than 200 enormous crates will be assembled for the tenuous voyage home.

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 exhibition reflects more than 200 years of Imperial Rule from Peter the
Great to Nicolas II and illustrates the exceptional quality of the dynasty's
fine and decorative arts in pre-Revolutionary Russia. This display features
priceless works of art in galleries that duplicate the original palace rooms
at the world-famous Peterhof that reflect the lives of the ruling Czars and
Czarinas.

This historic event is made possible by the Rio with assistance of the major
sponsors Bank of America and Bernard K. Passman and through sponsors
International Game Technologies and Nevada Beverage Company.

Located in Las Vegas, the Rio is a wholly owned subsidiary of Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc., and presently has approximately 2,500 suites and
120,000 square feet of gaming space featuring approximately 2,500 slot
machines and 100 table games. Home of the history-making ``Treasures of
Russia'' art exhibit and the $25 million ``Masquerade Show in the Sky'',
which is free to the public, the Rio's famous neon lit towers are filled to
the top with award winning entertainment, food, and excitement. The Rio also
boasts nightly performances by ``Entertainer of the Year'' Danny Gans, and
Rio Secco Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET - news) operates 19 casinos
nationwide under the Harrah's, Showboat and Rio brands, and Star City Casino
in Sydney, Australia. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty
and brand value with its targeted customers through a unique combination of
great service, excellent products, geographic distribution, operational
excellence and technology leadership.

To obtain ticket information for the ``Treasures of Russia'' from Peterhof
call (702) 252-7776 or 800-PLAYRIO or visit www.peterhof.com for current
information and the on-line Treasures of Russia Gift Store.

SOURCE: Rio Hotel & Casino

[Prince Felix Youssoupov]

I have seen this exhibit and it is interesting; however, it does not
compare to the Nicholas and Alexandra exhibit that was recently in
Wilmington, DE. As for its claim to be the "largest collection of
historic Russian art objects ever shown in the United States," they MUST
be counting each and every piece of china (cup, saucer, plate, etc. ) to
be able to make that claim! The Wilmingotn exhibit was far better (in my
opinion). Also their claim that exhibit contains "never-before-seen
collection of more than 1,150 objets d'art and priceless Faberge works,"
is not exactly true. I've personally seen some of the Faberge objects
prior to this exhibit.

BSJ

In article <7asqii$eme$1...@fir.prod.itd.earthlink.net>, "Ole G. Tinko"