Powered by Cirque Du Soleil

Once in a great while a creative force emerges that changes the way we see everything. For live entertainment, that moment came on Dec. 25, 1993 at the newly opened Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, when Cirque du Soleil debuted its first resident show–Mystère.

In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Las Vegas entertainment had a reputation for magicians, showgirls, singers, and stand-up comedians, but when Mystère premiered on Christmas night, it marked a new era for productions of unparalleled magnitude and marvel.

Cirque founder Guy Laliberté dubbed the show a “flower in the desert,” and true to form, Mystère has bloomed into one of the most original and groundbreaking shows live audiences have ever known.

In So Many Ways It’s a First

Musing on the success of Mystère, Senior Artistic Director Tim Smith says, “The inspiration and theories behind the show were all new visions for entertainment, and of course for Las Vegas… Cirque arrived and brought this new image to the stage that the city had never seen before. It was worldly. It was international. The music wasn’t radio hits… it was brand new and very exploratory for the audience.”

The set design, a fantastical world suspended between the heavens and earth, was unlike anything people had seen before. The cast and crew, boundless in their creativity, crafted a spectacle of acrobatics and artistry that continues leaving people breathless. Even the theater, meticulously designed to accommodate the technicalities of a Cirque du Soleil show, stands as an inaugural achievement and testament to the partnership with Treasure Island.

3 Decades of Shattering Expectations

After 30 years, 400+ performances a year, 18 million spectators, and more than 13,600 shows, Mystère remains one of the most sought after tickets on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s an accomplishment that Smith attributes to Cirque’s hunger for change.

"To get to 30 years requires a lot of passion, commitment, patience, evolutions, and trust,” he says. “We’re the only company [in Vegas] doing this type of evolution on a regular basis to keep the productions fresh and innovative.”

Indeed, much has evolved in the three decades since Mystère debuted. New acrobatics have been incorporated. New music, lighting and projections have been integrated. In 2016, new dancers were added. A year later, a dynamic new Power Track apparatus was installed, and a new Teeterboard act sent performers soaring higher than ever. Even as recently as 2022, a new Bungee act was introduced that extends 80 feet into the air. “It’s the only act of its kind on The Strip,” says Smith.

Yet for all the updates, there’s a certain quality to Mystère that remains beautifully untouched. Perhaps it’s the astonishing acrobatic feats, or the universal themes of time and rebirth, or the sense of wonder that arises when world-class performers do something you’ve never seen before. Whatever it is, Mystère has found a way to transcend time. “There’s one experience of Mystère in all the world,” says Smith. “Being the first production of this scale, the magic we found, the synergy between amazing performances, circus arts, opulent couture styles, dance, and original world music… It’s still a combination that is rarely put together.”

Experience the Enigma

As Cirque du Soleil continues its award-winning run in Las Vegas, guests of all ages and backgrounds continue coming to witness and relive Mystère, and with a new VIP experience they can now get even closer to the action.

ON STAGE AT Mystère is an exclusive VIP experience that invites you onto the stage for a behind-the-scenes view of the Mystère Theatre, just as artists do. With an abundance of insights, an unforgettable artist meet-and-greet, and much more, this special experience culminates with VIP seating and an unparalleled view of the show.

Join us for the once, the always, Mystère, and become part of a legacy that has entertained millions. For tickets, showtimes, and VIP experiences, visit cirquedusoleil.com/mystere.