It's Not a "Mirage" — Las Vegas's Most Historic Hotel Really Is Closing

Kids from the '90s used to dream of going to Las Vegas and staying in the historic Mirage. The hotel, created by Vegas real estate mogul Steve Wynn, was the first to showcase an outdoor “attraction” on city’s main street. It featured a volcano replica, which tourists would travel far and wide to see, eventually inspiring attractions and other luxury resorts.

Without the Mirage, we wouldn’t have Steve’s subsequent Treasure Island resort, nor would there have been competition in the Luxor, the Bellagio, the Venetian, and other high-end Vegas properties. Now, the Mirage is set to close on July 17, 2024, and disappointed millennials, former visitors, workers, and aspiring travelers want to know why.

Real estate is always an investment, and while Steve Wynn created a culture of glamorous buildings worth visiting in their own rights, he likely always saw his endeavors as a way to boost his financial portfolio. It’s no surprise that everything comes back to money, and sometimes, the financial benefits are worth more to those in power than the cultural ones.

In 2000, MGM Resorts bought the Mirage from Steve Wynn and then sold it in 2022 to Hard Rock International for $1 billion. We’re not sure exactly how much it was acquired for in 2000, but our guess is that $1 billion was too much for MGM to say no to, especially when they have other resorts to manage and keep up to date.

As the Hard Rock expands internationally, they need to have a presence in Las Vegas, essentially the party capital of the world. "The property will be reimagined and developed into a new integrated resort featuring a nearly 700 ft. guitar-shaped hotel prominently in the center of the famous Las Vegas Strip," the company said in a statement about a new musical instrument-inspired tower set to open in 2027.

"While we pause for the incredible transformation of this iconic property, I'd like to thank all team members at The Mirage for their incredible commitment and helping us provide memorable experiences for our guests," Joe Lupo, president of the Mirage, said. "We are planning to host collaborative hiring events with other employers in the Las Vegas community over the coming months. Connecting the thousands of talented Mirage team members who provide outstanding service with new employment opportunities is a top priority."

The Culinary Works Union represents over half of the Mirage’s employees and assuaged workers that the Hard Rock will pay over $80 million in severance and that workers will have the option of first-choice positions when the property reopens in May 2027.

As visitors share their memories and experiences at the Mirage on Facebook and other social media platforms, we’re also excited for new memories to be made in the new property. We expect greater concerts, comedy shows, and other spectacles, even if a corporate conglomerate like Hard Rock produces them. Plus, if the new resort is anything like the Seminole location in Hollywood, Fla., it’s sure to be a good time.