The iconic Mirage Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, which helped redefine the city as an ultra-luxury resort destination, is set to close on July 17, 2024. This closure marks the end of an era for a property that has been a significant part of Las Vegas’ transformation over the past 34 years.
A landmark in Las Vegas history:
Developed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn, The Mirage opened in November 1989 with a Polynesian theme. It was the first megaresort on the Strip, sparking a building boom that continued through the 1990s. The Mirage introduced many features that became synonymous with Las Vegas luxury, including the famous volcano fountain, which was one of the first sidewalk attractions on the Strip. This feature predated the Venetian’s canals and the Bellagio’s dancing fountains, setting a new standard for entertainment and spectacle in Las Vegas.
The Mirage was also known for hosting high-profile shows, such as Siegfried and Roy’s white tiger act and the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show. The latter, which reunited Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr for public appearances, will also close in July after an 18-year run.
The closure of The Mirage will allow for major renovations and the construction of a new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, set to reopen in 2027. The new property will feature a hotel tower in the shape of a guitar, soaring nearly 700 feet above the heart of the Strip. Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed gratitude to the Las Vegas community and Mirage team members for their support over the years.
As the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports, Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased The Mirage from MGM Resorts in 2022 for nearly $1.1 billion. Since then, the property has been operated under the Mirage brand while plans for its transformation were finalized. The Mirage’s closure also comes with significant workforce changes, as more than 3,000 employees will be laid off, with the company providing $80 million in severance.
The legacy of Steve Wynn’s vision:
Steve Wynn’s vision for The Mirage set a new standard for luxury and innovation in Las Vegas. The resort’s success paved the way for other megaresorts on the Strip, contributing to the city’s evolution into a premier global destination for entertainment and luxury. Wynn’s subsequent projects, including the Bellagio, further cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in the gaming and hospitality industries.
The Mirage’s closure is not just the end of a hotel, but the end of a chapter in Las Vegas history. Its contributions to the city’s development and its role in shaping the modern Strip will be remembered as it makes way for a new era with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The Mirage’s last day of operations will be July 17, 2024, and it ceased taking bookings after July 14. Guests with reservations beyond that date will receive refunds.