The Mirage sign that greeted guests at the Strip hotel for 34 years will live on in the Neon Museum’s collection.
The 30-foot-tall, arched sign above the entrance to the iconic property was moved Wednesday morning, presumably for conservation work, before being put back on display at an unknown date, Neon Museum officials said in a press release.
Yesco Sign took care of the transport of the sign. A spokeswoman for the museum said there was no timetable yet for the installation of the sign.
“This property was central to the development of Las Vegas,” said Aaron Berger, executive director of the Neon Museum. “With this and other donated artifacts, the museum can tell incredible stories ranging from gambling to hospitality to casino design to the architectural feat of building a volcano on Las Vegas Boulevard.”
The donations were made by Hard Rock International and the Penta Cares Foundation, the press release said.
Other artifacts from the Mirage, including a popular gold-painted sculpture depicting legendary magicians Siegfried and Roy and a cursive sign that stood in the Volcano Lagoon, will be sent to the downtown museum, according to a news release. Various statues and artwork will also be donated following the Mirage’s public art auction in September.
The Mirage, which opened its doors on November 22, 1989, was designed in a Polynesian style and its erupting volcanic fountain was one of the Strip’s first sidewalk attractions.
Over the years, the hotel has become known for several major attractions, including the Siegfried & Roy show with its famous white tigers, the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, and Cirque du Soleil’s “The Beatles LOVE” show.
After purchasing the property for $1.075 billion in late 2021, Hard Rock took over operations of the Mirage in December 2022.
The property closed for renovations on July 17, 2024. The modernized resort is scheduled to open in 2027.
Contact Marvin Clemons at [email protected].