Demolition has commenced on The Mirage in Las Vegas, which shuttered its doors on July 17 and is slated to reemerge as part of the Hard Rock casino resort chain in 2027. While the core structure of the casino, towers, and villas will be preserved, the beloved atrium will not survive the $4-$5 billion overhaul.
As you read this, the iconic Mirage atrium is being dismantled. Serving as the primary entrance to The Mirage, this atrium left a lasting impression on guests who visited the groundbreaking Las Vegas Strip property for the first time—a vision realized by Steve Wynn.
Designed as a passage through a lush rainforest, the atrium featured a cascading waterfall, towering palm trees, 100 varieties of exotic plants and flowers, and a 60-foot high domed skylight that bathed the area in natural sunlight. Maintaining this little slice of paradise required the dedication of four full-time gardeners, working more than 160 hours each week.
Through the atrium, Wynn succeeded in transporting his guests into a Polynesian oasis nestled in the Mojave Desert, creating a resort so lavish and captivating it became a destination in its own right.
The demolition of the atrium feels like the destruction of an actual rainforest to many Las Vegas regulars. Critics contend that the space could have elegantly and functionally served as the entrance to the new Hard Rock Las Vegas. Disappointed comments have flooded social media platforms, with sentiments ranging from heartbreak to nostalgia.
“That is a hurtful image,” lamented one user. “The atrium should have been a UNESCO Heritage Site,” argued another. “Sad to see—especially for what they are replacing it with that isn’t unique or Vegas,” added another disheartened commentator.
From Hard Rock’s perspective, however, there was no other viable option. Wynn’s grand plan to etch an unforgettable atrium experience into every first-time Mirage visitor’s memory was too successful. Preserving the atrium would only serve as a continual reminder of the past, evoking nostalgia rather than excitement for the future Hard Rock casino resort.
