The giant sign outside the former Mirage Las Vegas casino resort has been moved this week to the Neon Museum. The iconic resort, opened 1989, closed for good on July 17.
The new owners, Hard Rock International, are commencing with its $5 billion transformation of the property into Hard Rock Las Vegas, which is due to open in 2027.
Demolition of the iconic rainforest atrium entrance structure began earlier this month. This week, the Mirage’s huge entrance sign was removed and transferred to its new home at the Neon Museum.
It has now also become clearer exactly which parts of the former Mirage will stay after the redevelopment. Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen confirmed that the Mirage’s villa accommodation will remain, albeit fully remodeled internally.
Hard Rock also announced that they would be renewing the property’s gaming license with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The company wants the license to run throughout its redevelopment process, making for a smooth regulatory transition into the new venue.
The Removals
The 30-foot Mirage sign stood next to the iconic Mirage Volcano (also set to be demolished) for 34 years.
It was removed on Wednesday, August 14. An early morning removal crew temporarily closed off both lanes of traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard as the extended flatbed trailer was maneuvered into place.
The sign then made the short, five-mile journey north to the Neon Museum. It was also joined by the 27-foot Mirage volcano sign and a 17-foot sculpture of magicians Siegfried & Roy. There they will be part of a collection of other iconic Las Vegas signs of the past, spanning almost 100 years.
The new additions may be moved again before the Hard Rock Las Vegas opens. The Neon Museum itself is considering moving across town to a new and expanded home in the Las Vegas Arts District.
A liquidation sale of the Mirage’s fittings and fixtures is due to start this month. Early in July, Hard Rock hosted a popular final few days at the casino, where it paid out $1.6 million in progressive jackpots it had collected over the years.
Also set for demolition is the Las Vegas Strip-side attraction the Mirage Volcano, and its accompanying man-made lagoon. Hard Rock plans to demolish the entire thing and build a brand new, 660-foot-tall glass guitar hotel tower in its place.
Interestingly enough, where the Mirage volcano now stands (not for long) is exactly the same spot where the Las Vegas Strip area’s first casino, The Red Rooster, opened in 1930.
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
