The Iconic Mirage Closes Its Doors After Over Three Decades on the Las Vegas Strip

After 34 years of operations, the iconic Mirage hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip is officially closing its doors on July 17th, 2023. The last day for hotel guests will be July 14th. This marks the end of an era, as the Mirage helped usher in the age of modern megaresorts on the Strip when it opened in 1989.

The closure comes after Hard Rock International acquired the property in 2022. They plan to demolish the existing Mirage buildings and construct a new $1.5 billion guitar-shaped Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in its place, set to open in 2027. While the reimagining is exciting, it's bittersweet to see such an influential piece of Las Vegas history get torn down.

The Mirage was truly groundbreaking when it opened, bringing a new level of theming and spectacle. Its massive atrium with lush foliage, the iconic volcano show, and white tiger habitat dazzled guests. It paved the way for future Strip megaresorts like Excalibur, Luxor, and MGM Grand in the early 90s. You could argue modern Las Vegas as we know it wouldn't exist without the Mirage kickstarting that era.

On a personal note, I have many fond memories of visiting the Mirage over the years and will be sad to see it go. However, Las Vegas is a city that constantly reinvents itself, with shiny new developments replacing the old to remain attractive to tourists. The Strip's landscape is ever-evolving.

The Mirage closure follows on the heels of the Tropicana's recent shuttering in April after 67 years. That property is slated for demolition to potentially make way for a $1.5 billion MLB stadium deal, though that plan has faced some criticism. Between these two iconic spots closing, it certainly feels like the end of an era for classic Vegas.

While I'm nostalgic about the Mirage's imminent departure, I'm also excited to see what HRI does with the Hard Rock rebranding and their ambitious guitar hotel concept. Las Vegas has always been about going big and bold, and that hotel design definitely fits the bill. The constant cycle of reinvention is what keeps Las Vegas fresh and fascinating as a destination. Even as we say goodbye to old favorites, new spectacles await around the corner.

The Complicated Legacy of Steve Wynn's Vision

While the Mirage ushered in the modern Las Vegas spectacle, it's impossible to discuss its legacy without examining its controversial creator, Steve Wynn. The billionaire casino mogul was the visionary behind the Mirage's novel tropical theming and entertainment philosophy that prioritized giving guests an unforgettable experience.

Wynn had a keen eye for detail and spared no expense in bringing his ambitious dreams to life. From the resort's lush rainforest atrium to its iconic free outdoor shows like the volcano eruption, Wynn wanted the Mirage to overwhelm the senses. He even pioneered the use of a specialized fog system to enhance the lighting displays.

However, Wynn's trail-blazing vision came with a cutthroat business approach and questionable ethics that cannot be ignored. He routinely clashed with contractors and designers, bullying them to have his unique concepts realized at any cost. There were also the recurring accusations of misconduct and fostering a hostile work environment that eventually led to his ousting from his company.

Wynn's mixed legacy reflects both his brilliant creative mind that transformed Las Vegas, and his personal moral failings. The Mirage showcased his talents as an impresario able to deliver spectacles beyond guests' wildest imagination. But the tales of his tyrannical management style and unethical behavior reveal a darker side to his relentless pursuit of that grand vision.

As the Mirage passes into history, its connection to Steve Wynn's genius and controversies cannot be overlooked. The resort represented the best and worst versions of its creator - audacious innovation coupled with personal toxicity. Its impact on the Strip landscape is undeniable, even if the full picture of the man behind it remains complicated.

What Happens to the Mirage's Famous Attractions?

One of the biggest lingering questions is what will happen to the Mirage's iconic attractions and features that defined the Las Vegas experience for millions of visitors over the decades. Their eventual fates remain unclear as demolition plans take shape.

First and foremost, there's the curiosity around the resort's famous mascot - the majestic white tigers and their lush tropical habitat. The Mirage's Siegfried and Roy exhibit popularized the cats, which have become symbolic of the resort. When the duo's show ended after Roy's infamous tiger attack in 2003, the habitat remained a beloved free experience for guests. What's next for these beautiful animals?

Another signature was the breathtaking outdoor volcano show which erupted every night behind an artificial lagoon. The state-of-the-art pyrotechnic display with shooting flames and smoking lava quickly became a must-see Strip spectacle after debuting in 1989. Its destruction would be a sad loss of classic Vegas entertainment.

Then there are the resort's unique landscaping elements like its lush rainforest atrium and aquarium that contained thousands of plant species and marine life. These spaces offered a respite from the desert with their cool mist and foliage, anchoring the Mirage's tropical theme.

Fans also have to wonder about the fates of the property's iconic artworks like the cast bronze statues and extravagantly decorated public spaces. These contributed to the richly detailed atmosphere that enveloped guests from the moment they walked through the doors.

While the Hard Rock has shared some broad plans for restaurants, nightlife and their guitar hotel centerpiece, many specifics about integrating elements from the Mirage's glory days remain unknown. Will they reincarnate the classic shows and exhibits in updated forms? Relocate the habitats and artwork? Let beloved pieces disappear into history?

As the Mirage passes into the Las Vegas history books, its signature sights and experiences continue intriguing visitors and locals alike. Their potential revivals or permanent exits will be among the most heavily scrutinized aspects of this iconic property's redevelopment on the Strip.

Source: ABC News