The iconic Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip will be shutting its doors on July 17, marking the end of an era for the property that helped transform Sin City into an ultra-luxury resort destination. The closure is to make way for major renovations and the construction of the Hard Rock Las Vegas, set to reopen in 2027 with a hotel tower shaped like a guitar. The property has been credited with being the first megaresort on the Strip when it opened in 1989 with a Polynesian theme, prompting a building boom in the 1990s.
Developed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn, the Mirage featured a volcano fountain as one of the first sidewalk attractions, predating the iconic attractions of other resorts on the Strip. The property was known for hosting shows such as Siegfried and Roy’s white tiger act and a Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show, which will also come to an end in July. The closure will result in over 3,000 employees being laid off, with the Culinary Workers Union stepping in to ensure that laid-off workers receive severance pay and have the option of being called back to work when the hotel reopens under the Hard Rock brand.
This closure marks the second time this year that a Strip casino has shut down, following the closing of the Tropicana Las Vegas in April after 67 years of operation. The Mirage was purchased by Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, in 2022 in a cash deal worth nearly $1.1 billion. It became the first Strip property to be run by a Native American tribe, with plans to continue operating under the Mirage brand for several years as renovation plans were finalized. The Mirage is no longer accepting bookings past July 14, with any reservations for future dates being canceled and refunded.
The transformation of the Mirage into the Hard Rock Las Vegas is expected to bring a new era of entertainment to the Las Vegas Strip, with plans for a guitar-shaped hotel tower that will soar nearly 700 feet above the bustling heart of the city. This reimagined property aims to capture the spirit and excitement of the Hard Rock brand, offering guests a unique and unforgettable experience during their stay in Las Vegas. The final closure of the Mirage signals the end of an era for one of the Strip’s most iconic resorts, but marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s vibrant hospitality and entertainment scene.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve as a premier destination for luxury travel and entertainment, the closure of the Mirage represents a pivotal moment in the city’s history. The property has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of the Las Vegas Strip and has been a beloved destination for visitors from around the world. While the closure may bring some sadness and nostalgia for the memories created at the Mirage over the years, the anticipation of the reimagined Hard Rock Las Vegas promises to bring new energy and excitement to the city’s ever-evolving hospitality industry. With the promise of a guitar-shaped hotel tower and renewed entertainment offerings, the future of the Las Vegas Strip is sure to be as vibrant and captivating as ever.
