The Mirage, a beacon of the Las Vegas Strip since its opening in 1989, is set to close its doors today, marking the end of an era for the iconic resort.
While the hotel itself will not be demolished today, it is undergoing a significant transformation as Hard Rock International and Florida-based Seminole Gaming take the reins. The hotel will be demolished in the near future and Hard Rock will spend the next three years building its hotel complex on the Las Vegas Strip.
The famed volcano attraction, a symbol of The Mirage, will be relegated to history as it makes way for a new guitar-shaped hotel tower, a design that promises to spike into the night sky with beams reminiscent of guitar strings. This ambitious project is part of a larger makeover that will add 600 rooms to the existing 3,044-room setup, signaling a new chapter for the property that once revolutionized the Las Vegas landscape.
The Mirage’s legacy, from its fire-spewing volcano to the legendary Siegfried & Roy’s lions and dolphins, will live on in the memories of those who visited this tropical-themed paradise. As Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself, the transformation of The Mirage serves as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving nature, where the old makes way for the new, ensuring the Strip remains at the forefront of entertainment and hospitality innovation.
The 1980s and 1990s in Las Vegas were a transformative era, marked by an explosion of postmodern architecture that redefined the city’s skyline and essentially created a succession of mini-theme parks. This period saw the rise of iconic hotels that embraced an eclectic mix of historical styles and whimsical elements, creating a visual spectacle unlike any other and making the city a global tourist attraction.
The Mirage, opened in 1989 by Steve Wynn, was a trailblazer in this trend, with its lush tropical atrium and erupting volcano, set a new standard for what a hotel could offer. It wasn’t just about gambling; it was about creating an experience, a fantasy world where guests could escape reality. The Luxor followed, with its striking pyramid shape and Sphinx replica, while the Excalibur brought the charm of a medieval castle to the Strip.
These hotels were more than just places to stay; they were destinations in their own right, each telling a unique story through their design. Architects and designers of this era weren’t afraid to mix elements from different periods and cultures, creating a pastiche that was both playful and sophisticated. The result was a vibrant, dynamic cityscape that became synonymous with Las Vegas itself. As the city moved into the 1990s, this trend continued with the opening of the MGM Grand, which was then the largest hotel in the world, and the Bellagio, with its elegant fountains and art gallery. These establishments pushed the boundaries of hotel design, offering luxury and entertainment on a grand scale. The postmodern design of Las Vegas hotels in the 1980s and 1990s reflected a city that was constantly reinventing itself, always looking to dazzle and delight its visitors.
Today the shift is towards more immersive experiences. The ARIA Resort & Casino introduced a high-limit gaming room inspired by the fluid designs of fashion designer Iris van Herpen and Vegas welcomed its first boutique hotel, the English Hotel, adding a touch of personalized luxury to its accommodation offerings, in contrast to the mega resorts that are associated with Sin City.
Steve Wynn sold The Mirage to MGM Resorts in 2000. In Dec. 2022, Hard Rock International completed the acquisition of The Mirage after purchasing it for $1.075 billion.
Hard Rock, in a press release, says it will pay $80 million in severance packages to Mirage employees. The Culinary and Bartenders Union says it bargained on behalf of the 1,700 unionized hospitality workers at The Mirage Casino. Workers can choose a “service recognition bonus” of $2,000 for every year they worked or can return when the hotel reopens in three years.
