Bellagio opened on October 15, 1998, just before 11 pm, in a ceremony that was reported to cost US $88 million. The VIPs invited to the grand opening were expected to donate to The Foundation Fighting Blindness US $1,000 a person or US $3,500 a couple, which entitled them to an overnight stay at Bellagio 's suite rooms. Opening night 's entertainment began with Steve Wynn giving a 40 - minute welcome speech followed by the opening of the Cirque du Soleil production O. Performing in Bellagio lounges that night were New York cabaret and recording artist Michael Feinstein, George Bugatti, and John Pizarrelli. When it opened, it was the most expensive hotel ever built.
when was the bellagio in las vegas built
1998