Mirage Memories Go on Auction as Casino Transforms into Hard Rock

Over 300 sculptures and paintings from the former Mirage are now available for bidding in an online auction, as the casino undergoes its transformation into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.

Hard Rock Puts Over 300 Mirage Art Pieces for Auction

The 30-day online auction, hosted by LA-based Prime Auctioneers on liveauctioneers.com, showcases decades of history from the iconic hotel launched by Steve Wynn in November 1989. The auction features over 300 pieces of artwork and memorabilia that were once displayed both in public areas and behind the scenes.

In a statement, Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Las Vegas, said that The Mirage was an iconic destination known for its extensive art collection. The collection, he explained, has played a key role in shaping the resort’s distinctive atmosphere over the years. Lupo also noted that the auction offers collectors, Las Vegas enthusiasts, former guests who cherished The Mirage, and historians an opportunity to own genuine pieces from the legendary resort.

Up for grabs to the highest bidders are the iconic bronze mermaid and brass dolphin statues (two of each), 50 pieces by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, and a variety of items connected to the now-closed resort’s famous volcano attraction and the Siegfried & Roy show. However, said the Siegfried & Roy statue isn’t included in the auction as it was donated to the Neon Museum. 

The Casino’s Rebranding Was Announced Years Ago During the Purchase

In 2022, Florida-based Hard Rock International acquired the operations of The Mirage from MGM Resorts for $1.1 billion. The iconic resort was closed on July 17, 2024, with demolition of certain features and interior gutting of the tri-tower main structure beginning immediately afterward.

The 3,044-room resort continued operating under the name The Mirage Hotel & Casino until renovations and the full rebranding to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas started. Although the transformation was expected to take considerable time, it will completely reinvent the resort and significantly alter the Las Vegas skyline with the addition of a signature guitar-shaped hotel tower along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, officially welcomed the 3,500 team members at The Mirage to the global Hard Rock family of 45,000 employees when the acquisition was announced. He also expressed excitement about the development of an integrated resort on the Strip that should make the iconic entertainment community proud. The second Hard Rock Las Vegas is expected to open in the latter half of 2027, featuring a guitar-shaped tower built on the former site of the iconic volcano.