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A doomed Las Vegas resort known for its eye-catching decor is auctioning off its most iconic artwork, including pieces of fake volcano and a blown glass sculpture by an iconic artist.
The Mirage Hotel & Casino first opened in November 1989 and quickly established itself as a hotspot along the Vegas strip.
But, about 34 years after its heyday, the first-of-its-kind 3,000-room megaresort shut down in July 2024.
The 80-acre property was taken over by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which is on track to open its doors in 2027.
Now, the Hard Rock has decided to put more than 300 unique pieces from the shuttered resort up for bid, with some pieces expected to sell for up to $75,000.
‘The Mirage stood as an iconic destination that featured an extensive collection of artwork that helped define the resort’s unique atmosphere throughout the years,’ President of Hard Rock Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Joe Lupo, said in a statement.
‘This auction gives collectors, Las Vegas enthusiasts, past guests who adored The Mirage and historians the chance to acquire authentic pieces from this storied resort.’
The Mirage Collection features staple decorations, including the two bronze mermaids and two brass dolphins that greeted guests as they entered the Polynesian-themed resort.
The Mirage Hotel & Casino (pictured) first opened in November 1989 and quickly established itself as a hotspot along the Vegas strip
Other items up for grabs include chunks of the hotel’s famous pina colada-scented faux volcano (pictured) – which was an instant hit among guests
The Mirage (pictured) closed last year after 34 years in operation. It will be replaced by a Hard Rock
The mermaids are expected to sell for up to $60,000, while the auction house handling the bidding, Prime Auctioneers, estimates the dolphins will go for up to $30,000.
Other items up for grabs include chunks of the hotel’s famous pina colada-scented faux volcano – which was an instant hit among guests.
Each night while the trailblazing resort was up and running, the artificial volcano would ‘erupt’ with water, fire, flashing lights and sound effects in front of the main entrance.
Most notably, a pina colada scent was sprayed through the air to mask the awful smell of the natural gas needed to create the volcanic illusion.
Multiple chunks of the stone from the 54-foot nighttime attraction are listed on the auction website, each expected to sell for up to $400.
But some eager bidders have already raised the price to more than $500 for some of the pieces.
One of the Mirage Collection’s rarest additions is a stunning glass ceiling fixture made by famed American artist Dale Chihuly.
Chihuly is known for his use of vibrant colors and organic shapes in his one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Hard Rock has decided to put more than 300 unique pieces – including a blown glass sculpture by famed artist Dale Chihuly (pictured) – up for bid
The red and brown piece once on display in the Mirage is expected to sell for up to $75,000, though its current highest bid is $18,000
The red and brown piece once on display in the Mirage is expected to sell for up to $75,000, though its current highest bid is $18,000.
The Mirage Collection’s auction is set for September 20, but interested buyers can cast absentee bids online until then.
‘We consider it an honor to handle the auction of items from the legendary Mirage Hotel & Casino, and we’re grateful for our partnership with Hard Rock,’ Guy Bengal, auctioneer at Prime Auctioneers, Inc., said in a statement.
