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The Mirage

The Mirage was a hotel and casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, that opened in 1989 and closed in 2024.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Mirage was a hotel and casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, that opened in 1989 and closed in 2024. It was widely recognized as one of the first modern megaresorts in Las Vegas and became known for its volcano attraction, tropical-themed design, and large entertainment venues.

History

The Mirage opened on November 22, 1989, and was described at the time as the most expensive hotel-casino ever built. It was developed by Steve Wynn and helped popularize the Las Vegas megaresort model in the 1990s. The resort later changed ownership and was closed in 2024 as part of a redevelopment plan for the site.

Design and attractions

The resort featured a Polynesian theme, a large casino, and distinctive attractions including an erupting volcano, an aquarium, and other tropical-style elements. These features helped distinguish it from older Strip properties.

Role in Las Vegas development

The Mirage is often described as the first major modern megaresort on the Strip and a model for later large-scale casino resorts. Its opening marked a shift toward more elaborate, entertainment-focused properties in Las Vegas.

Closure and redevelopment

The Mirage ceased hotel operations in mid-July 2024 and closed completely on July 17, 2024. The property was sold to Hard Rock International, which planned to redevelop the site into a new Hard Rock resort.

Key facts

  • The Mirage opened on November 22, 1989, and was the most expensive hotel-casino ever built at the time.
  • It contained 3,044 rooms and a 90,548-square-foot casino.
  • The resort was developed by Steve Wynn and helped popularize the Las Vegas megaresort model.
  • It was known for its nightly volcano attraction, tropical landscaping, and animal habitats.
  • The Mirage closed on July 17, 2024, after Hard Rock International purchased the property in 2021.

Frequently asked questions

When did The Mirage open?
The Mirage opened on November 22, 1989.
When did The Mirage close?
The Mirage closed on July 17, 2024.
How many rooms did The Mirage have?
The Mirage had 3,044 rooms.
What was The Mirage known for?
It was known for its volcano attraction, tropical-themed design, large casino, and status as an early Las Vegas megaresort.
Who owned The Mirage at the end?
Hard Rock International purchased the property in 2021, and the site was being redeveloped after closure.
Why is The Mirage historically important?
It helped redefine Las Vegas resort design and is widely regarded as a pioneering megaresort on the Strip.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mirage
    Supports: Opened and closed dates, location, address, theme, room count, casino size, and overview.
  2. Neon Museum — https://neonmuseum.org/news/the-mirage-a-glorious-chapter-in-las-vegas-history/
    Supports: Opening date, construction cost, closure date, ownership context, and redevelopment plans.
  3. Neon Museum — https://neonmuseum.org/news/the-stories-behind-the-mirage-hotel-casino/
    Supports: Opening details, property scale, closure timeline, and Hard Rock purchase information.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/The-Mirage
    Supports: Historical significance in Las Vegas casino architecture and the shift toward modern spectacular resort design.
  5. Las Vegas Review-Journal — https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/look-back-the-mirage-opens-on-nov-22-1989-photos-2680889/
    Supports: Opening and closure timeline, and planned future reopening as a Hard Rock property.