Some time later the name of the resort was changed.

In September of 1996, it was reported that the resort had passed the 20th floor level in its construction.

In October of 1996, excavation began for the lake between the front of the resort and the Strip. In one month, the resort had reached its 30th floor level in its construction.

In 1997, it was reported that the resort will have fountains which will send a 50 gallon chunk of water 250 feet in the air. Combine this with moving fountains with a very hi-tech sound system and lights, and officials expect it to do for their resort what the volcano and the pirate battle did for her sisters Mirage and Treasure Island.

On October 15, 1998, just before 11:00pm, the $1.6 billion 3,000 room, 300 suite Bellagio opened on 2.6 million square feet of land. The Bellagio reported to spend $88 million on its opening. Those VIPs receiving an invitation to the grand opening were expected to donate to The Foundation Fighting Blindness $1,000 a person or $3,500 a couple, which entitled them to an overnight stay at Bellagio's suite rooms. Nevada Governor Bob Miller was present at the opening night extravaganza. Others who were present included Michael Jordan, Clint Eastwood, Drew Barrymore, Teri Hacher, Elisabeth Shue, and George Lucas.

The $1.6 billion price tag makes the Bellagio the most expensive casino hotel ever built. It was estimated that the resort must gross more than $2.7 million a day to be profitable.

In comparing Bellagio with Wynn's first vision Mirage, Bellagio is more than one third larger (the resort itself sits on 11 acres), and has four times as much retail shopping space as her older sister.

Opening night's entertainment began with Steve Wynn giving a 40 minute welcome speech and then the opening of the show "O," produced by Cirque du Soleil. Also scheduled was a fireworks display but it was cancelled due to the high winds. By 1:00 am, the casino and other public areas were packed with an estimated 15,000 people.

Bellagio is named after a town on Lake Como in Italy where Wynn once vacationed with Paul Anka. Bellagio, which means "Elegant Relaxation", contains an eight acre lake filled with thousands of fountains which runs the length of her grounds.

The conservatory (in-door garden) sits on 12,500 square feet, and is five stories high. It was estimated that it will cost $8 million a year to create a floral extravaganza for each of the four seasons. The change of seasons will take 18 hours. The conservatory also contains the Aqua Restaurant, the spa and the famed L.A. salon Prive. Martha Stewart designed the first Christmas to be placed in the conservatory.

Stretching across the ceiling of the lobby is a sculpture of hand-blown multicolored glass created by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly costing $10 million. The vermilion, yellow, purple and red bouquet of flowers is the largest glass sculpture in the world, made of 2,164 pieces of glass and stretching 70 feet.

The Bellagio's casino is 130,000 square feet and holds 139 game tables, 30 poker tables, 2,000 slot machines, and a 170 seat race and sports book with "the most comfortable seats in town."

Nearby, a botanical conservatory is home to exotic plants and flowers such as orchids, lilies and hyacinth. To ensure that every blossom is at the height of its color and fragrance, the gardens and floral displays will continue to change every month throughout the year.

Complementing the beauty of nature was a $285 million gallery featuring the works of the masters-original paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul C�zanne, Henri Matisse, and Paul Gauguin. There were also sculptures by Brancusi and Giacometti. One British art critic says it's "the finest personal art collection in the U.S."

Rooms were $200 nightly, a Strip high, with the intention of attracting high-end travelers who routinely bypass Las Vegas for vacations in Paris, London and Venice, Italy.

Bellagio's deluxe guest rooms and suites feature sweeping vistas of the resort's lake, surrounding mountains and the Las Vegas skyline. Each room is elegantly appointed with custom European-style furnishings and art, and is equipped with every modern-day convenience.

Its guest rooms include an armoire housing a remote-controlled cable television, stereo, electronic in-room safe and lighted wardrobe section able to accommodate full-length gowns. The writing desk is equipped with a two-line telephone and computer/fax accessible data ports. The bed choices is one king-size or two queen-size beds, all triple-sheeted. Each room has a game table and a bedside two-line telephone and alarm clock.

The bathrooms, decorated in Italian marble floors and surfaces, contain robes, a third telephone, a soaking tub and separate shower.

Donated by Tony Zaffie

Bellagio also has weddings chapels, ballrooms, and 14 meetings rooms.

Restaurants contained in the resort included Sirio Maccioni's, Le Cirque and Osteria de Circo (which is managed by Maccioni's sons), New York Jean-Georges Vongerichten's new steak house, Prime, and Marc Poidevin's famed Olives. Julian Serrano from Masa's in San Francisco ran Picasso's where the walls were adorned with what Wynn called "decorative paintings by the late, great Pablo - nothing over $3 million."

An Old World porte cochere leads the way to an elegant shopping promenade where retail superstars Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Hermes, Moschino, Prada, Gucci and Tiffany & Co., congregate in the exquisite glass-ceilinged wing of the hotel known as the Via Bellagio.

Nightly a free show is performed in the lake facing Las Vegas Boulevard South. Water fountains "dance" to the sounds of classical music. Quite a spectacular show!

For New Years Eve, Cirque du Soleil's "O" was shown at 10:15pm and included champagne, party favors, a special Cirque du Soleil souvenir and a midnight celebration. Tickets were $180 and $200. Other performers were George Bugatti in the Allegro Lounge and jazz guitarist Nocy in the Fontana Bar.

On March 6, 2000, it was announced that Mirage Resorts was sold to Kirk Kerkorian/MGM Grand for $4.4 billion in cash. The assets ranged from Mirage's $1.60 billion Bellagio resort to the MGM Grand, the nation's largest hotel. MGM also assumed $2 billion in Mirage debt. MGM executives agreed to the deal after the stock market closed on March 3, 2000, and intensive negotiations continued through the weekend on details. The transaction had to be approved by Mirage stockholders and was expected to close by the end of the year.

Steve Wynn owned 23 million shares of Mirage stock or 12% of the company. The deal would bring him $483 million.

It was expected the new company would retain the MGM name. The combined companies included 14 properties. Mirage owned the Bellagio, Boardwalk, Mirage, Treasure Island and Golden Nugget resorts in Las Vegas; the Beau Rivage in Biloxi in Mississippi, and the Golden Nugget in Laughlin, Nevada. The company also owned half interest in the Monte Carlo hotel-casino on the Strip.

When Wynn sold the Bellagio to Kerkorian/MGM Grand, he also sold the artwork. MGM Grand intended to sell a big part of the art. Wynn will probably buy it back.

"Next time you'll be able to see those paintings is at the Desert Inn or whatever it's called then, there will be gallery." - Steve Wynn

The art gallery saw 630,000 visitors since its opened. It was closed on May 28, 2000.

In June, 2000, MGM Mirage said Wynn has waived his right to match any outside purchase offers for paintings remaining in the collection of the now-closed art gallery at the Bellagio.

"Mr. Wynn's waiver should clear the way for additional art sales," - Jim Murren, MGM Mirage President and Chief Financial Officer

As of June, 28, 2000, MGM Mirage raised $154.2 million from the sale of Mirage Resorts assets, primarily from the sale of Bellagio artwork. MGM Mirage used these funds to reduce debt incurred in its $6.4 billion acquisition of Mirage Resorts on May 31, 2000.

Less than half a dozen paintings remained available for sale from the art collection. Though the controversial right of first refusal gave Wynn the capability of buying all $200 million in artwork owned by Mirage Resorts, he ended up purchasing three items from the gallery -- though it has not been revealed what Wynn paid for these paintings, or which paintings he purchased. Wynn, however, apparently still owned $200 million in artwork formerly displayed at the Bellagio that he leased to Mirage Resorts. As stated in this site, Wynn has hinted of his intent to display this art at the new hotel project he's planning at the site of the Desert Inn.

In 2000, Bellagio was asked to appear in the movie What Planet are you From? starring Gary Shandling.

Click Here for pictures of the Bellagio taken from the Eifel Tower, at Paris, and interior pictures by Heidi & Emiliano Palustre in October, 2000.

During this year, Bellagio showcased "O" - Cirque du Soleil aquatic show.

In February/March, 2001, Bellagio opened her on-site airport check in facility. Patrons can go to the service counter near Bellagio's valet pick-up two and a half hours prior to flight time to check luggage, get a seat assignment and boarding pass.

Bellagio won in the 2001 What's On Visitor's Choice Awards for the Best Art Gallery with Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

In 2001, restaurants contained in the resort included Aqua, The Buffet at Bellagio, Cafe Bellagio, Cafe Gelato, Jasmine, Le Cirque, Noodles, Olives, Osteria del Circo, Palio, Picasso, The Pool Cafe, Prime, Sam's American, Sam's Snacks, and Shintaro.

"I was in Vegas celebrating my March birthday and on my last day there I wondered the strip. We were aware that they were filming Ocean's Eleven at that time and all week I seemed to be once step behind them all. It isn't easy being in Vegas with George Clooney, and each time you turn around you are just missing him. As I walked through the Bellagio Casino I ran into a roped off area and realized that they were filming scenes. I stood around for several hours watching. It is fascinating to watch how a scene develops and all the blocking and set ups that must be done prior to the actual shooting. If you think acting is all glamorous, think again. As I watched the scene I noticed George Clooney and Julia Roberts sitting off to the side waiting for other moment in front of the cameras. They were joking around and laughing, Julia's trademark open mouth belly laugh getting her in trouble for being too noisy, and they were hamming it up for all the fans in the area. Between scenes, Andy Garcia kept sneaking off to the lounge near by and playing the piano that was on the stage. He is a fantastic player!!! Carl Reiner was also there that day. We saw Brad Pitt and Matt Damon high tailing it through the lobby one evening, with a couple of young fans in hot pursuit." - Carol Knoll

On September 14, 2001, at 12:30pm all MGM Mirage properties observed a mandatory one-minute moment of silence in observance of the national day of remembrance in honor of the victims of the terrorist strikes in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. All activity in public areas, including casinos, came to a halt at Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mirage, Treasure Island, New York-New York, and Golden Nugget.

"We believe this is the most profound statement we can make, to stop everything. At 12:30 we will stop all activity in all public areas and observe a moment of silence in honor of those who have died or have been hurt, and in honor of those who have been working so hard to find survivors." - Alan Feldman, MGM Mirage Spokesman

MGM Mirage began its marquee observances on the night of September 11th, when it displayed "God Bless America" on the MGM Grand sign. That message was also displayed on the marquees at other MGM MIRAGE Strip properties.

In November of 2001, Bellagio was awarded AAA's Five Diamond Award. This is very unusual in that Bellagio contains 3,000 rooms. This number is far more than any other Five Diamond winner. Previous winners have included hotels with hundreds of rooms, not thousands. This honor is bestowed on only those hotels that exemplify unsurpassed excellence and superior customers service. Bellagio is one of only 70 such hotels in North America to receive this honor.

Picasso at Bellagio and Renoir at The Mirage each received the AAA Five Diamond Award and the coveted Mobil five Star award making them two of ten restaurants in the nation to have been honored.

Also in 2001, Bellagio opened Nectar, a restaurant and bar along with Light, a sophisticated and trendy new nightclub and lounge that attracts an elegant and exciting late-night crowd.

MGM stated that the effects of September 11th reflected a substantial decline. All the MGM Mirage hotels on the Strip averaged an unprecedented low 64% occupancy level from the 11th to the 30th. This reduction also resulted in lower casino, food and every, entertainment and retail revenues. Business strengthened through the rest of the year and by the end of 2001, occupancy levels had returned to normal. Room rates also improved but were not yet back to normal. To respond to the decline, the Nevada MGM Mirage resorts had to lay off 6,4000 employees total, and an additional 315 were laid off or terminated at Beau Rivage in Biloxi.

In 2001, the ongoing attractions was the Fountains of Bellagio. The dancing waters began every 1/2 hour 3:00-8:00pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday & Sunday from noon to 8:00pm; shows every 15 minutes after 8:00pm until midnight. This was free of charge. Also was the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts showcasing masterworks from The Phillips Collections, and the Conservatory Gardens.

From April 7 through September 3, 2001, The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presented The Private Collection of Steve Martin from Picasso to Hockney.

The Bellagio Theatre showcased Cirque du Soleil's "O".

Luke Wilson, Charlie Sheen/Denise Richard, Sting, Jason Sehorn/Angie Harmon, D.L. Hughley, Daryl Hannah, Colin Hanks

In March 2002, Andrew Sasson and Keith & Chris Barish opened the Light nightclub at the resort. The invitation only grand opening had many in attendance.

In May 2002 - Casino operators reached contract agreements with the union representing waitresses and housekeepers, virtually eliminating the prospect of a strike. The latest agreements between the Culinary Workers Union and the casinos were reached with Mandalay Resort Group, MGM Mirage, Park Place, Aztar Corp., and Harrah's. The new agreements cover about three-quarters of the 40,000 cooks, waitresses and housekeepers the union represents in Las Vegas. Under the new tentative contracts, workers will receive anaverage of $3.24 in increased hourly wages and benefits over the new contract's five-year life. Much of that will go to pay for higher health insurance costs, which workers will continue to receive free of charge.

In June of 2002, MGM Mirage announced they were considering a $275 million expansion of Bellagio. Bellagio, which as of 2002, was MGM Mirage's most propfitable resort rebounded rebounded strongly since September 11, 2002 and this is prompting consideration of a new hotel tower as well as the possibility of also adding convention space and new restaurants.

"Demand returned just about as fast, if not faster, than any of our properties. Before September, the property was a success of unparalleled dimensions in this market, with occupancy levels, hotel rates, food and beverage revenues that no one in Las Vegas had dreamed possible." - Alan Feldman, MGM Mirage Spokesman

In fact, prior to the economic slowdown and the September terrorism, Bellagio was shattering casino industry profit records in 2001. In the three months ending March 31, 2001, Bellagio produced $93.5 million in cash flow -- a number believed to be a worldwide casino profit record. A decision on whether to build the tower is expected before the end of the summer, Feldman said.

Deutsche Bank gaming analyst Marc Falcone stated that land for new Strip development, combined with a better-than-expected rebound since Sept. 11, has prompted many casinos to look at expanding existing assets. He also stated that Mandalay Resort Group's Mandalay Bay and the Venetian -- two megaresorts that have announced new hotel tower projects -- are among the busiest properties year-round, he said.

"Bellagio runs at a very high occupancy and they get a very premium rate," Falcone said. "I think they see a need for some more convention space there and a need for more restaurant facilities." Bellagio runs at about 98 percent occupancy, likely the first or second-highest rate on the Strip." - Marc Falcone

MGM stated they were resurrecting Wynn's plan to expand the megaresort. That plan was put on hold in March 2000 because of MGM Grand Inc.'s plan to buy Wynn's Mirage Resorts Inc. Wynn disclosed in January 2000 a $250 million plan to expand Bellagio by 1,300 rooms. That expansion would have included extra meeting and convention space and a new restaurant.

In 2002, O Theatre showcased Cirque du Soleil's O.

Allegro, Baccarat Bar, and Fontana Lounge & Petrossian Bar showcased various entertainment.

In February, 2003, Bellagio announced the opening of her Caramel Bar & Lounge. Caramel offered exotic medley of Martinis, infused vodkas, sake, and specialty drinks including a signature caramel-coated Martini glass containing an espresso-laced elixir of distinction. Lounge in an intimate and cozy ambience of rich browns and glass sculptures while socializing in a versatile mix of hip-hop, Tony Bennett, �80s, the Rolling Stones, and more.

For 2003, Bellagio also contained the following lounges: Fontana Bar, Nectar, Petrossian Bar, Baccaret Bar, and Pool Bar.

Restaurants for this year include Le Cirque, Circo, Nectar, Prime Steakhouse, Picasso, Aqua, Noodles, Jasmine, Olives, and Shintaro.

On April 28, 2003, ground breaking occurred for the new 928 room/suite Spa Tower with the completion date estimated in December of 2004.

On June 17, 2003, Shirley Gray Morgan, widow of Dunes' orchestra leader Russ Morgan whose orchestra began in 1935, and mother to Dunes' orchestra leader Jack Morgan died of a heart attack in her home. She was 87.

Jack Morgan, who was on the road with his band in Iowa when he received word that his mother died.

Morgan was active in Las Vegas civic organizations and charities starting in the mid-1960s.

It seemed like my mother was on every committee in town. Once in the mid-1980s I told her I would be visiting her in November. She got the old Holiday Casino on the Strip (now Harrah's) to donate the use of its showroom and booked us in for a fund-raiser for one of her charities. Mom was such a diplomat -- and so sweet -- few people could ever say no to her. Mom didn't go for much of the la-dee-da stuff. She was into helping people in need, and she retained her sharp mind right to the end. She was doing the bookkeeping for the band right up to this year. "

Services were held at Palm Mortuary-Downtown. Interment was in Palm Memorial Park in a plot with Russ Morgan, co-writer of "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You" and "Does Your Heart Beat for Me," who died in 1969.

After her husband's death, Shirley threw herself into her charitable work, which included helping organizations such as the Society of Singers, which aids down-and-out performers, the Women's American ORT, The Town Club and Temple Beth Sholom.

"She was well known in Las Vegas before Russ died and she continued to be involved in show business and charitable work long after." - Eve Quillin

Born Shirley Darling Gray on May 28, 1916, in New York City, she was the daughter of Jack Gray, a hardware store owner, and the former Rae Schneider, a teacher. She attended high school on Long Island and graduated from Scudder's Finishing School in New York, where she learned secretarial and bookkeeping skills.

It was while working as a secretary for Brunswick Records in 1935 that she met Russ Morgan, who was just starting his band and was recording for the label. They married in 1939 and lived in Beverly Hills for 20 years.

Today Jack Morgan's band performs on cruises, at special events and at dances throughout the United States. Its next scheduled Las Vegas appearance is September 6, 2003 at the Stardust. Jack Morgan today resides in East Moline, Ill.

In addition to her son, Morgan is survived by another son, David Huw Morgan of Richmond, Va.; two daughters, Judith M. Drinkhall of Glen Ellen, Calif., and Patricia Ann Morgan of Oxnard, Calif.; a sister, Audrey Remo of Long Beach, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

In mid-October of 2003, it was announced that cash flow 32% to $62 million from the prior year's quarter -- the worst for the property since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Construction disruption at Bellagio cost the company about $6 million during the quarter as a room remodeling project kept about 9% of rooms out of service, including some of the property's highest-priced rooms. The remodeling project is expected to be complete by February, while a second hotel tower is under construction and is due to open in December 2004.

In late October of 2003, it was announced that the next show at the Gallery will be 21 masterpieces by French impressionist Claude Monet taken from the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Beantown. The Bellagio is paying an undisclosed fee to the museum to show its wares. Malcolm Rogers, the Boston museum director, said the exposure was great for his facility, saying, "Las Vegas reaches a national and international audience." The Monet show is expected to run from Jan. 30 to Sept. 13.

In 2003, O Theatre is showcasing Cirque du Soleil's O. Tickets for "O" for the 1st part of the year were $110.00, $90.00, and $85.00 plus tax. After June 27, 2003, tickets will be $136. 00 ,$113.00,and $90.00 plus tax. The Baccarat Lounge, Fontana Lounge, Light, and Petrossian Lounge will be showcasing continuous entertainment.

The Gallery is showcasing Treasures from Chatsworth until January 18, 2004.