End of an Era as The Mirage Closes to Make Way for Hard Rock Las Vegas
The Mirage Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip officially closed its doors on July 17, 2024, marking the end of its 34-year legacy. To commemorate its final day, the resort hosted a farewell event and gave gamblers the chance to win part of a US$1.6 million cash prize in accordance with Nevada state law.
The 3,000-room resort, which opened in 1989 under the ownership of casino mogul Steve Wynn, will undergo a three-year renovation. The iconic tropical theme, which was a hallmark of the Mirage, will be completely erased, and the hotel will be rebranded as Hard Rock Las Vegas. The transformation will feature a 700-foot (213m) hotel tower designed to resemble a guitar, mirroring the Florida property. The famous volcano attraction, which drew countless visitors over the years, will be demolished to make room for new hotel rooms.
The Mirage was a pioneer on the Strip, introducing the concept of an outdoor attraction with its volcano, which inspired other Las Vegas resorts like the Bellagio and Venetian to follow suit with their own water shows and features. Architects noted that the tropical design aimed to offer an oasis amidst the chaos of the Strip, creating an environment that made visitors feel far removed from the usual casino experience.
Beyond its volcano, the Mirage became famous for its entertainment offerings, including Siegfried and Roy’s white tigers show and a Cirque du Soleil performance set to Beatles music. MGM Resorts acquired the Mirage from Wynn in 2000 and later sold it to Hard Rock International in 2022 for over US$1 billion.
Hard Rock’s new venture in Las Vegas follows their previous ownership of the Virgin Hotel, continuing the brand’s expansion into the entertainment hub.
