Contributor
Just over a year after the iconic Las Vegas Strip resort closed its doors to all, the Mirage launched an online auction offering a chance to bring part of the resort home.
More than 300 pieces have been placed up for bidding. Prospective owners can begin bidding online now, with an in-person session wrapping up the sales on Sept. 20.
A variety of interesting memorabilia is available. Unfortunately, nothing is strictly poker-related. Still, the auction is replete with bits and bobs that pay homage to the Mirage’s indelible influence on Las Vegas (and gambling) history.
Mirage Auction Highlights
Here are some of the notable items and our take on their value (or lack thereof).
Popular: Volcano Pieces
Two items are now tied for the most bids. Both are Mirage volcano facade pieces. Each has 13 bids, one for $800 and another for $480. Many other bits of the hotel’s famous volcano are up for auction.
The volcano stood near the Strip, erupting nightly to provide some free entertainment to passersby. It blew smoke and flames into the air for the last time in July 2024.
Our Take: Unless you have a strong emotional connection to the Mirage volcano, these are overpriced. They amount to nondescript hunks of rock. Throw one in any garden, and you’d have a hard time telling it apart from the other landscaping.
Bronze For Any Budget (Kind Of)
Bronze statues are the priciest items up for auction, with two mermaid sculptures leading the pack at $38,000 and $28,000. Two bronze dolphin-trio sculptures are up for $7,500 apiece while “monumental bronze lion” sculptures are in the $4,000 range.
Our Take: If you’re in the market for a massive bronze animal statue, there’s value here. We recognize that’s a completely niche descriptor, so it’s up to you to whether you fit the bill.
The Art Of The Matter
The least expensive items are all hanging art pieces and the like. A $20 lot for a framed mirror takes the “cheapest listing” cake (for now), while unremarkable hotel art rounds out the other cheap-ish options.
Our Take: Art is subjective. If you like a piece, it may be worth a bid to try and bring it home.
The Mirage And Poker: A Brief History
The Mirage opened in 1989, designed by Steve Wynn with the intention of becoming a full-fledged megaresort. Part of those designs included a poker room, which would become a top destination for players from around the world.
The room had 19 tables and often drew big players, at least until it was overshadowed by the advent of Bobby’s Room at the Bellagio. It downsized when the poker economy began shrinking and then shut down completely in 2020 after what was supposed to be a temporary closure due to COVID-19.
Perhaps the Mirage’s most famous poker moment came in the 1998 film “Rounders,” starring Matt Damon as Mike McDermott, who takes a pilgrimage to Las Vegas. His final destination? The Mirage.
Hard Rock Las Vegas will take the Mirage’s coveted spot on the Strip, though it isn’t set to open until 2027.
Image credit: Clement Bardot/Wikimedia Commons (license)
