From Casino to Museum: The Tropicana and Mirage Relics’ New Homes

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 11/01/2024

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We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

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The Tropicana and Mirage Relics’ New Homes

Las Vegas, known for its neon lights, glamorous casinos, and iconic shows, is evolving as some of its most legendary properties close or transform. The recent implosion of the Tropicana and the rebranding of the Mirage mark the end of an era. This has left many wondering what became of the memorabilia and relics from these once-thriving casinos.

The Fall of Tropicana and Mirage

In April 2024, the Tropicana, one of the longest-standing casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, officially closed its doors. A grand farewell came six months later when the Tropicana was demolished, making way for a new stadium​.

The iconic property had been a symbol of the Strip since its opening in 1957, hosting famous productions like Folies Bergère and a series of high-profile entertainers. The demolition itself was a spectacle, featuring fireworks and a synchronized drone show to celebrate the end of an era​.

Meanwhile, the Mirage, once renowned for its erupting volcano and signature dolphins, is undergoing significant renovations as it transitions into the Hard Rock Hotel. These changes signal a new direction for the Strip, as many older properties are demolished or transformed into modern entertainment hubs​.

Preserving the Past: What Happens to Casino Relics?

The closure and demolition of iconic casinos like the Tropicana and Mirage raise a crucial question: What happens to the memorabilia and relics inside? In recent years, collectors and museums have worked to preserve Las Vegas’s history by saving these items from destruction.

From chandeliers to showgirl costumes, these relics represent the glitzy charm of old Vegas. Many are now either auctioned off to private collectors or find new homes in museums specializing in preserving Las Vegas history.

Frank Long, whose family business, International Content Liquidations, handled the liquidation of Tropicana’s contents before its implosion, described the process of selling off items from these casinos before they are torn down in vivid terms:

You take this hotel-casino, and you turn it upside down, shake everything out of it until it’s empty.

Iconic Relics from the Tropicana

Tropicana’s most notable relics include extravagant chandeliers, slot machines, and costumes from the Folies Bergère show. Some relics have been auctioned off to collectors, while others have found homes in museums. The Neon Museum, for example, has taken in signage and other iconic pieces from Las Vegas’ past casinos. Here’s a look at some of the critical items saved from the Tropicana:

Mirage’s Relics: The Volcano and More

The Mirage’s iconic volcano, known for its fiery eruptions, will not be physically preserved but may live on through digital displays or replicas. Other items, such as furniture, artwork, and casino equipment, are being sold or repurposed during the hotel’s rebranding into a Hard Rock Hotel​. Smaller memorabilia, such as interior fixtures and signage, will likely end up in private collections.