The Mirage Hotel & Casino (The Mirage) in Las Vegas officially closed on July 17, after more than 30 years. Hard Rock International (HRI), which has owned and operated The Mirage since 2022, is ceasing operations of The Mirage to begin the property’s transformation into the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas (HRHCLV).
According to a press release, HRI will develop a new integrated resort, featuring a nearly 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel towering prominently in the center of the Las Vegas Strip. The new HRHCLV’s guitar design will reflect the design of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
Developed by Steve Wynn, The Mirage opened in November 1989 as the Las Vegas Strip’s first megaresort. It gained fame for features like its erupting volcano outside the hotel’s main entrance, 20,000-gallon fish tank in the reception area, and white tiger habitat. The Mirage has hosted a variety of entertainment shows throughout the years—most notably Siegfried & Roy, prior to Roy being attacked and critically injured by one of the tigers in 2003. Since 2006, The Mirage has been home to “The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil,” a multi-sensory theatrical performance combining acrobatic art, dance, music, and technology—set to iconic songs by The Beatles.
“We would like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage,” says Jim Allen, chairman of HRI. “We would also like to thank the unions, community leaders, local and state government organizations, and the Nevada Gaming Commission for their support and fair negotiations over the past year. Also, we are grateful to MGM for assisting with our transition.”
Joe Lupo, president of The Mirage, adds, “While we pause for the incredible transformation of this iconic property, I would like to thank all team members at The Mirage for their incredible commitment and helping us provide memorable experiences for our guests.”
With the closing of The Mirage, all hotel workers are without employment. “We are planning to host collaborative hiring events with other employers in the Las Vegas community over the coming months,” Lupo says. “Connecting the thousands of talented Mirage team members who provide outstanding service with new employment opportunities is a top priority.” In addition, HRI will pay approximately $80 million in severance packages for eligible union and non-union employees remaining with the property through cessation of operations.
Renovation of The Mirage property will generate more than 2,500 construction jobs. Upon completion, the new HRHCLV is expected to double The Mirage’s current number of jobs for the Las Vegas community.
Opening of the new HRHCLV is estimated for spring 2027.
For more information about The Mirage’s closing and the opening of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas, visit Casino.HardRock.com/Las-Vegas.
