Elaine Wynn

Elaine Pascal Wynn grew up in New York before moving to Las Vegas after marrying Steve Wynn in 1963. While her husband is often credited as the visionary behind Wynn Resorts, Elaine played a crucial but often overlooked role in shaping the aesthetic and cultural elements that distinguished their properties from competitors.

As co-founder of Mirage Resorts and later Wynn Resorts, Elaine helped develop properties including The Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, and Wynn Las Vegas. She was instrumental in bringing fine art to Las Vegas, championing the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art that opened in 1998—the first major art museum in a Las Vegas casino.

Elaine's contributions focused on the cultural and aesthetic dimensions of casino development. She helped select artworks, influence interior design, and develop the sophisticated ambiance that distinguished Wynn properties. Her eye for design elevated Las Vegas resorts from gaudy spectacles to genuine expressions of luxury and taste.

Beyond design, Elaine Wynn became a strong voice for corporate governance following her divorce from Steve Wynn. She advocated for boardroom reform and workplace protections, using her position as a major shareholder to push for changes in how casino companies are managed.

Elaine Wynn proved that casinos could be centers of culture and sophistication. Her influence helped transform Las Vegas from a city of kitsch into a destination with genuine artistic and architectural merit. The fine art traditions she established at Bellagio set new standards for casino cultural programming.