Las Vegas is saying farewell to one of its most iconic landmarks. The Mirage Hotel and Casino, along with its famous volcano, is set to close its doors on July 17, 2024, after more than three decades of defining the Strip’s landscape.
The Mirage, which opened in 1989, was a game-changer for Las Vegas, setting a new standard for luxury and grandeur on the Strip. Developed by Steve Wynn, the resort was the first of its kind to feature a major sidewalk attraction, the iconic volcano, which inspired similar features at other luxury resorts like the Bellagio and the Venetian. Beyond the volcano, The Mirage was home to Siegfried and Roy’s white tiger show and the enduring Cirque du Soleil show "Love," which brought Beatles fans together for 18 years. The resort’s tropical theme and luxurious offerings set the tone for the development of future megaresorts in Las Vegas.
The closure is part of a significant transformation, as the property will undergo a three-year renovation to become Hard Rock Las Vegas. This new era will see the introduction of a 700-foot-tall hotel tower shaped like a guitar, similar to Hard Rock's Florida property. This dramatic redesign will replace the beloved volcano, making way for new rooms and modern amenities. Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, acquired The Mirage from MGM Resorts in 2022 for over $1 billion. This marked the first time a Native American tribe would operate a property on the Las Vegas Strip.
With the closure, more than 3,000 employees will be laid off starting in July. Hard Rock has committed to paying over $80 million in severance. The Culinary Workers Union, representing about 1,700 of these employees, ensured that laid-off workers will receive $2,000 for each year of service, with the option to return when the hotel reopens. Mirage guests with reservations beyond July 14 will have their bookings canceled and refunded. Casino chips must be used by July 14 at The Mirage but can be redeemed at Treasure Island for an additional 120 days.
The reimagined Hard Rock Las Vegas is set to reopen in 2027. The new resort will feature a 660-foot-tall, guitar-shaped hotel tower with floor-to-ceiling glass panes, reflecting the modern and vibrant spirit of the Hard Rock brand. The redesign includes plans for 25 restaurants and a 5,000-seat theater, enhancing the entertainment options available on the Strip. The closure of The Mirage marks the end of an era, but it also heralds the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Las Vegas. The Hard Rock Las Vegas promises to bring fresh energy, innovation, and world-class hospitality to the Strip, continuing the legacy of luxury and entertainment that The Mirage started.