The exhibition will open to the public on August 30, 2002, and will run through January 26, 2003.

The name of Peter Carl Fabergé embodies the romance and splendor that was Imperial Russia. Born in St. Petersburg in 1846, he is considered one of the greatest craftsmen in history. At the end of the 19^th century, his firm was sought after by crowned heads and wealthy elite the world over. But his greatest legacy was the exquisite objects he created for the Emperor of Russia.

Many of the extraordinary gifts commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II for his beloved wife Alexandra will be presented in this exhibit, including a selection of Fabergé's most beloved creations, the Imperial Easter eggs.

Among them is the greatest and most ambitious of all the Imperial Easter eggs, the Moscow Kremlin Egg.

Constructed of gold, silver, onyx, and enamel the egg represents the Uspenski Cathedral where the Tsars of Russia were crowned, surrounded by a miniature recreation of the Kremlin wall and made of solid gold.

Also included in the exhibition are the Trans-Siberian Railway Egg, with its tiny working locomotive, made of gold and platinum. As well as the Alexander Palace Egg, made of diamond encrusted Nephrite, adorned with five miniature portraits of the Tsar's children, and containing a perfect replica of the famed palace, barely three inches across.

"This exhibition represents some of the most celebrated works of the House of Fabergé ever seen outside of Russia," said Andrea Bundonis, president of the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. "The Kremlin Museum and the Russian Ministry of Culture have generously agreed to loan some of their rarest and most valuable masterpieces. We are incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity."

Marc Glimcher, Chairman of the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and curator of this exhibit notes, "We are excited to show these world renowned objects in their historical context. By including pieces from their costume collection, including the uniform worn by Nicholas II when he was crowned Emperor of Russia, the Kremlin has allowed us to give visitors a unique glimpse into the life of Europe's last great Imperial dynasty."

This exhibition will also feature costumes and jewelry including the coronation uniform worn by Nicholas II and an assortment of Fabergé jewels hidden during the revolution of 1917 by the manager of the Fabergé workshop. The jewelry was not discovered until nearly 70 years later, found under the floorboards of his former residence during a renovation of the building. Additionally the exhibit will present an exceptional assortment of Fabergé's famous figurines, clocks, picture frames, and cigarette cases.

"We're delighted to host this remarkable exhibition of timeless art and craftsmanship," said Randy Morton, Bellagio's vice president of hotel operations. "Visitors have come to expect a world-class experience when they visit Bellagio and this exhibition delivers on that promise."

Accompanying the exhibition will be an audio tour written and narrated by Archduke Géza von Habsburg. Dr. von Habsburg is the former President of Christie's Europe and one of the world's leading authorities on European Decorative Arts and the work of Peter Carl Fabergé.

An illustrated catalogue and other unique Fabergé gift items, which have been created exclusively for this occasion, will be available at the Gallery Store.

Tickets for this exceptional exhibition are $15 per person and $12 for students and Nevada residents. An audio tour of the exhibition is included in the admission price. Tickets are available at the gallery or by calling (702) 693-7871 or (877) 957-9777. Annual membership to the gallery, The Blue Card, is available for $45. Member benefits include unlimited admission for two and discounts in the gallery store.

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is Las Vegas' premier art exhibition space. Located at the heart of the elegant Bellagio resort, the gallery offers exhibitions produced exclusively for this venue by PaperBall, a subsidiary of internationally acclaimed PaceWildenstein. Visitors will find the Gallery Store adjacent to the exhibition space offering a wide array of art-related products including posters, prints, scarves, books, gift items, and children's games and toys.