For Immediate Release
Contact: Melissa Warren, Faiss Foley Warren PR
702-528-6016; melissa@ffwpr.com
Eryn Sebelius 702-234-6684; eryn@ffwpr.com
Contact: Ceres Hill, The Mob Museum
702-229-2711; cereshill@themobmuseum.org
NICHOLAS PILEGGI TO HEADLINE SPECIAL FILM FOR THE MOB MUSEUM
Famed author, screenwriter, producer hosts film on how organized crime is portrayed in pop culture
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 5, 2012) — The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, announces that famed Hollywood author, screenwriter and producer, Nicholas Pileggi, will host a special film for the Museum’s exhibit on how the mob is portrayed in pop culture. The film, part of an exhibit called “The Myth of the Mob,” features an in-depth interview with Pileggi who is best known for his book and screenplay Casino, and his book, Wiseguy, which was adapted for the movie, Goodfellas. Both movies were directed by Martin Scorsese.
In the short film, Pileggi explains the global fascination with organized crime. “Mobsters live and act outside of the law,” he said. “They do what they want, when they want, without regard for consequences. Their fearless style makes for particularly compelling subject matter chronicled in some of the most popular books and movies of our time.” Pileggi gives nod to The Godfather as the greatest mob movie ever.
With tales so intriguing they need no embellishment, The Mob Museum reveals an insider’s look at the events and people on both sides of this continuing battle. True stories of mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits and multi-sensory experiences. The Museum puts the visitor in the middle of the action through high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments.
A world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas, The Museum opens to the public on February 14, 2012 – the 83rd anniversary of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago that is considered one of the bloodiest days in Mob history. Seven men affiliated with the Bugs Moran gang were murdered by the South Side Italian gang led by Al Capone. The Museum has acquired some of the most iconic artifacts in mob history including the brick wall from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the barber chair that Albert Anastasia was murdered in.
A key Mob Museum visionary is former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, a former go-to defense attorney who made a name for himself representing such reputed mobsters as Meyer Lansky, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and Anthony Spilotro, among others. The Museum boasts a highly respected board of directors including professionals from local and state government, law enforcement, the judicial system, media and the Southern Nevada business community. The board is headed by Ellen Knowlton, former FBI Special Agent in Charge, Las Vegas Division, and a 24-year FBI veteran.
Artifacts to be integrated throughout the Museum’s interactive exhibits provide an insider’s look into many of organized crime’s biggest names, including, Alphonse Capone, Dion O’Bannion, George Moran, Charlie “Lucky” Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Ben Siegel, Sam Giancana, Joe Bonanno, Frank Rosenthal, Mickey Cohen, Tony Cornero, Whitey Bulger and John Gotti to name just a few. The Museum is also working with the FBI and many famous undercover agents who made a career of fighting the mob, including legendary agents Joe Pistone who infiltrated the Mob posing as a small time jewel thief, Donnie Brasco, and Cuban-born Jack Garcia who successfully ingrained himself into the Gambino family.
The Mob Museum is located in what many consider the ultimate artifact, the former federal courthouse and United States Post Office. Completed in 1933 and listed on the Nevada and National Registers of Historic Places, it houses the very courtroom where one of 14 national Kefauver hearings was held to expose and control organized crime in America was held in 1950. Meticulously rehabilitated for The Mob Museum, the building is significant not only for its neo-classical architecture reminiscent of the period in which it was built, but also for the historic events that unfolded inside of it.
The Museum is being designed by a world-class team known for other successful museums that serve to reinvigorate communities and neighborhoods, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio and the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. This highly experienced team of staff, board members and consultants are working together to create one of the city’s major attractions and a must-see for tourists and locals alike.
The 41,000-square-foot Mob Museum includes approximately 17,000 square feet of exhibition space on three floors in addition to a specialty retail store, special event areas, educational areas and office space. Admission is $18 plus tax for adults ages 18 and over; $12 plus tax for children ages 5 to 17 and students ages 18 to 23 with ID; $14 plus tax for seniors, military, law enforcement and teachers; and $10 plus tax for Nevada residents of all ages. Museum hours will be Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
About The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas dedicated to the thrilling story of organized crime and law enforcement. It presents an exciting and authentic view of the mob’s impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world. With tales so intriguing they need no embellishment, The Museum reveals an insider’s look at the events and people on both sides of this continuing battle. True stories of mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits and multi-sensory experiences. The Mob Museum puts the visitor in the middle of the action through high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments. For more information, call 702-229-2734 or visit www.themobmuseum.org. Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/themobmuseum and on Twitter: @TheMobMuseum.
Visit the multimedia press release at http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53037-mob-museum-opens-in-las-vegas-february-14-2012 for photos, videos and renderings.
