The iconic Mirage Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip is closing its doors today, marking the end of a 34-year era. The closure paves the way for a new chapter as Hard Rock International begins the transformation of the property into a 700-foot-tall guitar-shaped hotel.
The Mirage, which first opened in 1989, was a pioneering venture by Steve and Elaine Wynn. It set new standards for mega-resorts and ushered in a wave of themed hotels such as Excalibur, Luxor, and New York-New York. Over the years, it became known for its unique attractions, including the Cirque du Soleil Beatles-themed show, Love, and the famous volcano fountain, which was among the first attractions on the Strip. The resort also hosted Siegfried & Roy and their renowned white tiger show, which became synonymous with Las Vegas entertainment in the early 2000s.
Hard Rock International acquired the Mirage from MGM Resorts in December 2022. Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed his gratitude and excitement about the project, stating, “The integration of Wiz's advanced security technologies will significantly enhance our cloud security capabilities, providing our customers with the highest level of protection against evolving cyber threats.”
The closure will result in the termination of employment for approximately 3,000 staff members. Joe Lupo, the president of the Mirage, announced that collaborative hiring events with other local employers would be organized to help displaced workers find new opportunities. Hard Rock International has pledged to provide approximately $80 million in severance packages. Additionally, the Culinary and Bartenders Unions, representing about 1,700 hospitality workers, have secured contractual protections ensuring employees receive $2,000 for each year of service and retain seniority rights upon the hotel's reopening.
The Mirage's closure signifies the end of several iconic attractions and restaurants, including Heritage Steakhouse, Osteria Costa, Otoro, Diablo's Cantina, Pantry, Paradise Cafe, California Pizza Kitchen, and the Still. Visitors have only a short time left to experience the Mirage's volcano show, its lush atrium, and the 20,000-gallon aquarium behind the hotel's front desk before they disappear into history.
Hard Rock's plans for the new property include extensive renovations on the three-winged hotel and the replacement of the ‘Mirage' lights with those that spell out ‘Hard Rock.' The new guitar-shaped tower will feature six spotlights emanating from its rooftop, reminiscent of a guitar's strings. The revamped resort is expected to reopen in the spring of 2027, promising a remarkable entertainment lineup with renowned artists for long-term residencies
.As Las Vegas continues to evolve, the transformation of the Mirage is part of a broader trend where entertainment and sports are becoming more appealing to visitors than traditional gambling activities. The recent closure of the Tropicana and plans for a new integrated resort and baseball stadium further showcase the dynamic changes taking place on the Strip.
The Mirage's closure marks a significant moment in Las Vegas history, as the city bids farewell to one of its most beloved landmarks and looks forward to the future with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.
