Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
The Luxor Hotel and Casino was constructed between 1992 and 1993, during a major wave of themed-resort development on the Las Vegas Strip. Its black-glass pyramid, enormous interior atrium, Sphinx entrance, diagonal elevators, and Sky Beam quickly made it one of the most recognizable buildings in Las Vegas.
Quick Answer
Construction of the Luxor Hotel began on April 21, 1992, and the resort opened to the public on October 15, 1993. That means the original pyramid was built in about 18 months. MGM’s corporate fact sheet lists October 13, 1993, as the grand-opening date, while historical records place the start of public operations on October 15.
Key Takeaways
- The Luxor was built from 1992 to 1993 and opened publicly on October 15, 1993.
- Circus Circus Enterprises developed the original $375 million resort; MGM Resorts did not become involved until years later.
- Architect Veldon Simpson designed the 30-story pyramid, while Yates-Silverman handled the original interior design.
- The often-quoted “29 million” figure refers to the pyramid atrium’s cubic-foot volume, not a 29-acre building footprint.
- The original pyramid opened with 2,526 rooms. Later tower additions increased the entire resort to approximately 4,400 rooms.
- VICI Properties currently owns the real estate, while MGM Resorts International operates the hotel and casino.
When Was the Luxor Hotel Built?
Groundbreaking for the Luxor took place on April 21, 1992. Construction continued through 1993, and the resort welcomed the public at 4 a.m. on October 15, 1993, according to the UNLV Libraries historical collection.
A later MGM Resorts fact sheet lists October 13, 1993, as the grand-opening date. The difference likely reflects separate corporate, preview, or public-opening milestones. For readers asking when the hotel began normal public operation, October 15, 1993, is the best-supported date.
Note: It is accurate to say that the Luxor was built in 1993, but the complete answer is that construction began in April 1992 and the resort opened in October 1993.
Luxor Construction and Renovation Timeline
| November 1991 | Circus Circus Enterprises announced plans for the pyramid-shaped resort. |
| April 21, 1992 | Groundbreaking marked the formal start of construction. |
| July 1993 | The pyramid structure was topped out as interior work continued. |
| October 1993 | MGM’s fact sheet records an October 13 grand opening; historical records place the public opening on October 15. |
| 1996–1998 | A major expansion added two 22-story hotel towers and increased the resort’s room inventory. |
| 2005 | MGM acquired Mandalay Resort Group, which included Luxor. |
| 2007–2008 | A large renovation modernized the resort and reduced much of the original interior Egyptian theming. |
| 2021 | Luxor completed a remodel of 1,715 king and queen rooms in the Pyramid Tower. |
Who Designed and Developed the Luxor Hotel?
The original Luxor was developed by Circus Circus Enterprises, the company that also developed nearby Excalibur. The project reportedly cost about $375 million and was financed with money generated by Circus Circus and its existing properties.
Architect Veldon Simpson designed the pyramid. Contemporary Los Angeles Times reporting identified Simpson as the architect and described the hotel’s diagonal elevators, which travel along the pyramid at an angle of approximately 39 degrees.
Yates-Silverman, Inc. served as the original interior-design firm. Its team studied Egyptian imagery and worked with specialists to build an elaborate themed environment featuring replicas, murals, statues, rides, and entertainment spaces.
The Luxor was not originally an MGM development. Circus Circus Enterprises built it, MGM Resorts later became the operator, and VICI Properties now owns the real estate.
Who Owns the Luxor Today?
The ownership structure is different from the original development arrangement. VICI Properties lists Luxor in its real-estate portfolio, while MGM Resorts International operates the hotel and casino under a lease.
The Iconic Pyramid Design of the Luxor Hotel
The Luxor’s 30-story black-glass pyramid was designed to stand out against the surrounding desert and the growing Las Vegas skyline. Its most dramatic interior feature is the vast central atrium, which rises through the pyramid and contains approximately 29 million cubic feet of space.
That measurement is sometimes misreported as the pyramid covering 29 acres. It does not. The well-documented figure describes the volume of the atrium, which was promoted as one of the largest open interior spaces of its kind when the resort opened.
Guest-room corridors line the sloping interior walls and overlook the atrium. Instead of moving straight up and down, the pyramid’s elevators—often called inclinators—travel diagonally along the structure’s corners. This creates a different ride from a standard hotel elevator and remains one of the building’s distinctive features.
The exterior Egyptian design includes a large Sphinx reproduction and an obelisk near the entrance. The hotel was named after Luxor, Egypt, a city associated with major archaeological sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
At the pyramid’s apex, the Luxor Sky Beam projects light vertically into the night sky. The beam has remained a defining part of the resort’s appearance even as much of the original interior Egyptian theming has been reduced.
Luxor Hotel Rooms and Amenities
Luxor opened with 2,526 rooms inside the pyramid. The later addition of two 22-story towers increased the property to approximately 4,400 guest rooms, including 487 suites, according to MGM’s 2025 fact sheet.
The present hotel offers both pyramid and tower accommodations. Current Pyramid King rooms are listed at 420 square feet and feature the pyramid’s signature slanted walls. Current tower rooms are larger, with standard king configurations listed at about 449 square feet.
Not every room has elaborate hieroglyphic decoration. MGM remodeled 1,715 Pyramid Tower rooms in 2021 with Moroccan and North African influences, gold accents, and updated bathrooms. Current tower-room descriptions emphasize a more modern design with Mojave Desert-inspired artwork.
The official amenities directory currently advertises the Oasis Pool area with two spacious pools. Pool availability, operating dates, and open sections may change with the season. Luxor also offers a fitness center and Nurture Spa & Salon, which lists massages, body treatments, salon services, a dry sauna, a steam room, Jacuzzis, and a relaxation lounge.
Pro Tip: Choose a pyramid room for the slanted-wall experience and an inclinator ride. Choose a tower room when a more conventional layout and modern room design matter more.
Entertainment and Dining Options at the Luxor Hotel
Entertainment and restaurant lineups change more often than the building’s historical facts. Instead of relying on fixed venue counts, check Luxor’s current directories before visiting.
| Category | Current Examples |
| Major Shows | Blue Man Group, Carrot Top, and FANTASY |
| Attractions | Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, BODIES… The Exhibition, Discovering King Tut’s Tomb, and PLAY Playground |
| Full-Service Dining | TENDER steakhouse + lounge, Diablo’s Cantina, Public House, and Pyramid Café |
| Quick-Service Food | Backstage Deli, Starbucks, Blizz, and the Luxor Food Court |
| Bars and Lounges | Casino-floor lounges, walk-up frozen-drink bars, and restaurant bars; current hours vary |
Luxor’s official entertainment directory currently features Blue Man Group, Carrot Top, and FANTASY. Blue Man Group combines percussion, visual comedy, and multimedia effects, while Carrot Top presents a prop-comedy show. FANTASY is an adult revue and has age restrictions.
For dining, TENDER steakhouse + lounge focuses on steak and seafood. Diablo’s Cantina serves Mexican-inspired dishes, Public House offers American sports-bar fare, and Pyramid Café serves breakfast and lunch. The food court includes several familiar quick-service brands.
Warning: Show dates, restaurant hours, pool operations, age restrictions, and temporary closures can change. Confirm details through Luxor’s official website before making plans.
The Luxor Hotel’s Location on the Las Vegas Strip
Luxor stands at 3900 South Las Vegas Boulevard on the southern portion of the Las Vegas Strip. It sits between Excalibur to the north and Mandalay Bay to the south.
Pedestrian walkways connect Luxor with nearby properties, and the Mandalay Bay Tram serves Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur. This makes it possible to reach several neighboring resorts without walking entirely outdoors.
The hotel is not in the geographical center of the Strip, but its location provides convenient access to Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Allegiant Stadium, New York-New York, T-Mobile Arena, and other attractions toward the Strip’s southern end. Reaching Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Fremont Street, and northern Strip resorts generally requires a longer walk, public transportation, a taxi, or rideshare service.
Travelers planning around mobility needs can also review this guide to choosing a travel scooter. For general packing help, the site’s guide to odor-resistant Merino wool travel socks covers another useful item for long days of walking.
The Luxor Hotel’s Impact on Las Vegas Hospitality
Luxor opened during a major period of change on the Las Vegas Strip. Treasure Island and the original MGM Grand also debuted in late 1993, and all three reflected the era’s growing interest in large, immersive resorts.
The Luxor pushed themed design unusually far. Its original interior included a Nile River ride, reproductions of Egyptian objects, elaborate entertainment spaces, and sections representing the ancient world, modern cities, and imagined futures. Guests reached pyramid rooms through diagonal inclinators and looked down into the enormous open atrium.
The concept attracted attention but also created operational challenges. Circus Circus launched a major expansion in the mid-1990s, adding two conventional hotel towers and changing parts of the interior. The twin towers officially opened in 1998.
After MGM acquired the property in 2005, a large 2007–2008 renovation removed or reduced more of the original Egyptian interior theme. The pyramid, Sphinx, obelisk, and Sky Beam remained, preserving the exterior identity even as the interior became more contemporary.
Luxor’s history shows how Las Vegas resorts frequently adapt. The building still uses the visual identity that made it famous, but its rooms, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment have changed repeatedly since 1993.
The Luxor Hotel’s Sustainability Efforts
MGM’s January 2025 fact sheet reported that Luxor had earned a four-key rating through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. Green Key evaluates areas such as energy use, water conservation, waste management, employee practices, and environmental operations.
Luxor also operates within MGM Resorts International’s broader environmental program. MGM says it uses energy-efficiency requirements, building controls, performance assessments, and investment in cleaner energy to reduce the environmental impact of its resort portfolio.
These documented programs provide stronger support than broad claims about particular fixtures or recycling practices that may vary by location and renovation phase. Guests seeking the latest property-level information should consult Luxor’s sustainability page or MGM’s current environmental disclosures.
The Future of the Luxor Hotel
Luxor has changed many times without losing its most recognizable exterior features. Its original pyramid opened in 1993, its tower expansion followed in the 1990s, major interior changes arrived in the 2000s, and Pyramid Tower rooms were refreshed in 2021.
As of July 2026, Luxor’s official website continues to accept hotel reservations and promote current dining, shows, attractions, pools, and spa services. There is no need to rely on unsourced predictions about a particular renovation or closure date.
Future room updates, venue changes, and entertainment rotations are likely as part of normal resort operations, but the most dependable information will come from MGM Resorts, Luxor’s official booking pages, and formal company announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Luxor Hotel built?
Construction began on April 21, 1992, and the resort opened to the public on October 15, 1993. The original pyramid was therefore built in about 18 months.
Why do some sources say the Luxor opened on October 13, 1993?
MGM’s 2025 corporate fact sheet lists October 13 as the grand-opening date. UNLV’s historical collection and contemporary accounts place the start of public operations on October 15. The dates appear to reflect different opening or preview milestones.
Who designed the Luxor Hotel?
Architect Veldon Simpson designed the pyramid-shaped resort. Yates-Silverman, Inc. created the original interior design and helped develop its extensive Egyptian theme.
Who originally developed the Luxor Hotel?
Circus Circus Enterprises developed the original Luxor at a reported cost of $375 million. MGM Resorts acquired the property’s operating company in 2005 and now operates Luxor.
Who owns the Luxor Hotel today?
VICI Properties owns the Luxor real estate. MGM Resorts International operates the hotel and casino under a lease.
How many rooms does the Luxor Hotel have?
MGM’s 2025 fact sheet lists approximately 4,400 rooms, including 487 suites, across the pyramid and two hotel towers. The original pyramid opened with 2,526 rooms.
What are the Luxor Hotel’s most notable architectural features?
The best-known features are the 30-story black-glass pyramid, the approximately 29-million-cubic-foot atrium, diagonal inclinator elevators, the Sphinx reproduction, the entrance obelisk, and the Luxor Sky Beam.
Sources
- UNLV Libraries Collection of Luxor Hotel and Casino Records — supports the October 15, 1993, public-operation date and historical context.
- MGM Resorts Luxor Fact Sheet — supports the original cost, room inventory, tower expansion, 2021 room remodel, amenities, and environmental rating.
- Los Angeles Times: “Pyramid Scheme” — supports the architect and diagonal-elevator design.
- VICI Properties: Luxor Portfolio Page — supports the current real-estate owner and MGM operator distinction.
- Luxor Official Entertainment Directory — supports current shows and attractions.
- Luxor Official Dining Directory — supports current restaurant categories and venue examples.