Opened in 1989 by casino mogul Steve Wynn, the Mirage introduced an era of luxurious resorts on the Strip and was the first to feature a sidewalk attraction with its volcano. This prompted the Bellagio and Venetian to follow suit with their own dancing fountains and canals.
“We look forward to the beginning of an exciting journey into a new era as Hard Rock Las Vegas will ignite the Strip with entertainment, innovation, and world-class hospitality,” the Mirage announced on its Facebook account, which has been filled with nostalgic memories in the comments.
The Mirage was also known for other quintessential Las Vegas features like Siegfried and Roy’s white tigers show and a Cirque du Soleil show set to Beatles music. The resort will reopen in 2027 as Hard Rock Las Vegas, featuring a 700-foot-tall hotel tower in the shape of a guitar. The volcano will be demolished to make room for new accommodations.
MGM Resorts acquired the Mirage from Wynn in 2000 and sold it in 2022 for over $1 billion to Hard Rock International. This marks Hard Rock’s second presence in Las Vegas, having previously owned the now-Virgin Hotel off the Strip.
More than 3,000 Mirage employees will be laid off starting in July, with Hard Rock committing over $80 million in severance. The Culinary Workers Union, representing about half of the Mirage’s employees, stated that affected workers will receive $2,000 for each year of employment and the option to return when the hotel reopens.
Guests with reservations beyond July 14 will have their bookings canceled and refunds issued. Casino chips must be used by that date at the Mirage but can be redeemed at neighboring Treasure Island for another 120 days following the resort’s closure.
