How could we not have an article about the History of The Mirage Las Vegas? Well, I’m gonna fix that, especially with its closing fast approaching.
Nestled in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Mirage Las Vegas stood as a beacon of luxury and innovation, marking a significant chapter in the city’s illustrious history. Since its grand opening in 1989, The Mirage has captivated visitors with its blend of opulence, entertainment, and groundbreaking features, forever altering the landscape of Las Vegas resorts.
A Visionary Beginning
The Mirage was conceived by Steve Wynn, a visionary in the gaming and hospitality industry, whose ambition was to create a resort that would redefine the Las Vegas experience. He certainly succeeded. At the time, Las Vegas was known primarily for its gaming floors and less for its luxurious accommodations. Wynn’s goal was to craft a destination where visitors could find unparalleled luxury and entertainment, making the resort itself the attraction, rather than just a place to stay while gambling.
Groundbreaking Design and Features
When The Mirage opened its doors on November 22, 1989, it was the first new resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in over 15 years. The construction cost was an astounding $630 million, making it the most expensive casino-hotel in history at the time. This bold investment was a gamble in itself, reflecting Wynn’s confidence in his vision.
One of the most iconic features of The Mirage is its artificial volcano, which erupts nightly in a spectacular display of fire, water, and light. This is an especially captivating part of the history of the Mirage Las Vegas, as it set the precedent for strip-facing free attractions. Think “Bellagio Fountains” and “Sirens of Treasure Cove” – those were Steve Wynn’s ideas too. The Mirage Volcano was an innovative attraction set the stage for Las Vegas to become a city known for its free, outdoor spectacles. The volcano was designed by WET Design, the same company behind the famous Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano instantly became a must-see attraction.
Inside, The Mirage continued to break new ground with its lavish tropical rainforest atrium, complete with a 60-foot-high dome and an indoor garden filled with exotic plants, lagoons, and waterfalls. This unique design element offered guests an escape from the desert surroundings into a lush, tranquil paradise.
The Birth of Modern Las Vegas Entertainment
The Mirage didn’t just change the physical landscape of Las Vegas; it also revolutionized entertainment in the city. The resort was home to Siegfried & Roy, whose magical performances featuring white tigers became a defining show in Las Vegas for over a decade. Their residency at The Mirage set a new standard for headliner acts in the city, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Furthermore, The Mirage’s state-of-the-art theatre was among the first to host permanent shows by top-tier entertainers, paving the way for other iconic performances like Cirque du Soleil’s “LOVE,” which has been captivating audiences since 2006 with its tribute to The Beatles.
Innovations in Hospitality
The Mirage set new standards in luxury and service that have since become benchmarks in the industry. The resort introduced the concept of the mega-resort to Las Vegas, combining lodging, dining, gaming, and entertainment under one roof. This holistic approach to hospitality has been emulated by numerous other properties on the Strip.
Additionally, The Mirage was a pioneer in offering high-end dining experiences within a casino resort. It featured restaurants by renowned chefs, thereby transforming Las Vegas into a culinary destination. This shift attracted food lovers from around the globe, contributing significantly to the city’s reputation as a gastronomic haven.
Legacy and Evolution
The Mirage’s success sparked a renaissance on the Las Vegas Strip, leading to the development of other iconic resorts like the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and the Venetian. Each new property drew inspiration from The Mirage’s innovative approach, further elevating the city’s status as a premier travel destination.
Over the years, The Mirage has undergone several renovations to maintain its status as a top resort in Las Vegas. Despite the changes, it has preserved its original charm and continued to be a beloved destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned Vegas enthusiasts.
A New Chapter: The Seminole Purchase and Closing
In December 2022, Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for $1.08 billion. This acquisition marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic resort. On July 17, 2024, The Mirage will close its doors to make way for extensive renovations and a complete rebranding into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas, which is the unnecessarily longest property name we have ever heard.
The Mirage was the first mega-resort on the strip, and changed the Las Vegas experience for the better.
We hope you enjoyed The History of The Mirage Las Vegas.
Go visit your favorite property next time you’re in town, because nothing in Vegas is forever.
