The Shops at Crystals

The Shops at Crystals is a luxury retail and entertainment district in the CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It opened on December 3, 2009, under the shorter name Crystals, during the global financial crisis and a difficult period for Las Vegas tourism and real estate. The property was developed as part of CityCenter, a large mixed-use resort project originally owned by MGM Resorts International and Dubai World. Its retail concept was intended to complement the nearby ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, and other CityCenter properties by presenting an architecturally distinctive concentration of luxury boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and public art. The complex occupies approximately 500,000 square feet and was designed to appeal to affluent visitors, resort guests, international tourists, and high-end local shoppers. Its exterior was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, with David Rockwell responsible for the interiors and AAI Architects serving as architect of record. The building is characterized by angular geometries, extensive glazing, overlapping roof forms, and a highly sculptural steel structure. Interior spaces use large volumes, hanging gardens, water features, landscaped areas, a grand staircase, and a large wooden treehouse structure that functions as a concierge and hospitality feature. Seasonal floral installations and other experiential elements reinforce the destination's role as more than a conventional enclosed mall. Sustainability was a prominent part of the development's identity. The building incorporated skylights, reclaimed wood, and water-efficient fixtures, and it received LEED Gold Core & Shell certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in October 2009. At the time, the certification was described as a landmark achievement for a retail district of its size. The property's architecture and environmental design helped distinguish it from the themed and heavily ornamented casino retail environments commonly associated with Las Vegas. Critics highlighted its sharp, contemporary forms and its use of art and landscape as a counterpoint to the city's more theatrical resort architecture. The original tenant plan included a relatively small number of retailers at opening, with additional stores being added during 2010 as market conditions improved. Notable luxury brands associated with the property have included Dior, Hermès, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Porsche Design, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Loro Piana, Richard Mille, Rimowa, and Valentino. The Louis Vuitton location was particularly prominent, having been described as the largest Louis Vuitton store in North America at opening, with a three-story, approximately 14,000-square-foot format. The tenant mix has changed over time as some original businesses closed and new luxury retailers, restaurants, and experiential attractions arrived. Dining has been an important part of the destination's positioning. Opening and early operators included Mastro's Ocean Club, Brasserie Puck, The Pods, Social House, Beso, Eve, and Todd English P.U.B. Brasserie Puck was replaced by Wolfgang Puck's Cucina in 2010, while the Beso and Eve business underwent bankruptcy and ownership-related difficulties before later changes under Landry's. Todd English left the property in 2017, after which the venue was renamed The Pub; it was later replaced by Toca Madera in 2022. The property has also hosted art galleries and large-scale installations, including works by Dale Chihuly, Richard MacDonald, Rodney Lough Jr., James Turrell, Tatsuo Miyajima, and other artists. In April 2016, MGM Resorts International and Dubai World sold The Shops at Crystals to a joint partnership of Invesco and Simon Property Group for $1.1 billion. The sale reflected MGM's earlier intention that the retail component could ultimately be monetized separately from the wider CityCenter resort development. The property has continued to operate as a luxury retail and visitor attraction, with its role evolving through changing tenants, restaurants, exhibitions, and public art programs. Its identity rests on the combination of premium shopping, contemporary architecture, destination dining, curated art, and proximity to major Las Vegas resorts.

The Shops at Crystals was conceived as the luxury retail component of CityCenter, a major mixed-use resort and real-estate development on the Las Vegas Strip. The project was originally owned by MGM Resorts International and Dubai World. Crystals opened on December 3, 2009, at the beginning of a period marked by the Great Recession, weakened consumer spending, and pressure on Las Vegas hospitality and property markets. The economic environment affected the opening schedule: the property opened with 23 tenants, while some prospective retailers postponed their launches or withdrew from the project. The development team sought to make the property an architectural and experiential destination rather than a conventional mall. Daniel Libeskind designed the exterior, his first Las Vegas project, using sharply angled forms, extensive glass, and a complex structural system comprising numerous overlapping roof elements. David Rockwell designed the interiors, which included a grand staircase, landscaped areas, hanging gardens, high ceilings, a seasonal flower carpet, and a large wooden treehouse used for concierge and restaurant functions. AAI Architects served as architect of record. The design helped attract luxury retailers and gave the property a distinct identity within the resort corridor. Environmental design was incorporated from the beginning. Skylights, reclaimed wood, and efficient water fixtures were among the features used to reduce the building's environmental impact. In October 2009, before the public opening, the retail district received LEED Gold Core & Shell certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It was described at the time as the largest retail district in the world to achieve that certification. Critics and design commentators generally treated the architecture as a deliberate alternative to Las Vegas's more heavily themed resort environments. The initial tenant roster included luxury names such as Dior, Hermès, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Assouline Publishing, and De Grisogono. Thirteen retailers made their Las Vegas debut at the opening, including Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Porsche Design, and Tom Ford. The Louis Vuitton store became one of the property's signature spaces, with a three-story format described as the largest Louis Vuitton store in North America at the time. Additional tenants joined during 2010 and later years. The property was renamed The Shops at Crystals by 2013, while its tenant mix continued to change as some early businesses closed and brands including Loro Piana, Richard Mille, Rimowa, and Valentino arrived. Crystals also developed a substantial arts and entertainment program. Its early galleries and displays included work by Dale Chihuly, Richard MacDonald, and Rodney Lough Jr. MGM commissioned graffiti artist DAIM to create the large mural Left Attention in 2010. James Turrell's Akhob opened inside the Louis Vuitton store in 2013, and Turrell later designed a monorail station associated with the property. Tatsuo Miyajima's Hoto, an illuminated mirror tower containing thousands of LED numbers, was unveiled in 2015. The entire third floor hosted Immersive Van Gogh in 2021. Water and ice installations by WET, including Halo and Glacia, added kinetic and environmental spectacle to the public areas. Restaurants have undergone repeated changes. The opening lineup included Mastro's Ocean Club, Brasserie Puck, The Pods, Beso, and Eve. Brasserie Puck did not meet expectations and was replaced by Cucina in June 2010. Social House also opened in 2010 and operated for approximately five years. Beso and Eve, associated with Eva Longoria and chef Todd English, encountered financial and investor litigation problems and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011. Landry's later acquired the business, and Beso was remodeled and reopened as She in 2012; the nightclub closed in 2013 and She closed in 2014. Todd English P.U.B. opened in 2010, became The Pub after English's departure in 2017, and was replaced by Toca Madera in 2022. MGM had reportedly designed the retail district with a future sale in mind. In April 2016, MGM Resorts International and Dubai World sold The Shops at Crystals to Invesco and Simon Property Group for $1.1 billion. The transaction separated ownership of the retail asset from the original CityCenter development structure. The property has remained an active luxury shopping and visitor destination, relying on a combination of premium brands, restaurants, art, architecture, and exhibitions to serve Las Vegas tourists and affluent shoppers.

• 2022

  Princess Diana exhibition opens

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  Princess Diana: A Tribute Exhibition opened in a 10,000-square-foot space.

• 2021

  Immersive Van Gogh exhibition presented

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  The property's entire third floor was used for an interactive exhibition focused on Vincent van Gogh's work.

• 2016

  Ownership changes

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  Invesco and Simon Property Group acquired the property from MGM Resorts International and Dubai World for $1.1 billion.

• 2015

  Hoto unveiled

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  Artist Tatsuo Miyajima presented Hoto, an 18-foot mirrored tower using more than 3,000 LED-lit numbers.

• 2013

  Property adopts The Shops at Crystals name

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  The property was renamed The Shops at Crystals as its luxury retail identity became more established.

• 2013

  Akhob installation opens

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  James Turrell's immersive light installation Akhob opened within the Louis Vuitton store.

• 2010

  Additional tenants and restaurants expand the complex

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  New retail and dining openings expanded the original tenant base, including Cucina and Social House.

• 2009

  CityCenter retail district opens

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  Crystals opened on December 3 as the luxury retail component of the CityCenter complex, initially with 23 tenants.

• 2009

  LEED Gold certification awarded

  [1]The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org

  The property received LEED Gold Core & Shell certification for environmentally oriented design and building systems.

A premium destination retail district combining international luxury shopping with destination dining, contemporary architecture, public art, and resort-oriented experiences.

• Luxury retail · 2009

  Luxury retail boutiques

  The core offering is a concentrated portfolio of international luxury boutiques selling fashion, leather goods, jewelry, watches, footwear, beauty products, and design objects. Brands associated with the property have included Dior, Hermès, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Miu Miu, Tom Ford, Loro Piana, Richard Mille, Rimowa, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton. The tenant mix has changed over time in response to market conditions and retailer strategy.

• Restaurants and hospitality · 2009

  Destination dining

  Restaurants and bars provide a second major component of the property. Notable operators have included Mastro's Ocean Club, Wolfgang Puck concepts, Social House, Beso, Eve, Todd English P.U.B., The Pub, and Toca Madera. Several venues changed names, ownership, or format over the years, reflecting the property's evolving visitor and hospitality strategy.

• Art and entertainment · 2009

  Public art and immersive exhibitions

  The property integrates art galleries, permanent and temporary installations, and large-scale exhibitions into its retail environment. Examples include works by Dale Chihuly, James Turrell, Tatsuo Miyajima, DAIM, and other artists, as well as Immersive Van Gogh and Princess Diana: A Tribute Exhibition. These programs support Crystals' positioning as a cultural and experiential destination.

• 2011

  Beso and Eve bankruptcy and investor litigation

  The Beso restaurant and Eve nightclub business associated with Eva Longoria and Todd English filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after financial problems and litigation with investors. The business also owed more than $3 million in back rent to MGM, according to the referenced account. Landry's later agreed to acquire the operation.

  Source

Read more

• 2022Princess Diana: A Tribute Exhibition

  United States

  Crystals hosted a 10,000-square-foot exhibition of Princess Diana memorabilia and personal items, using a major cultural attraction to broaden the property's appeal beyond shopping.

  Outcome. The exhibition served as a temporary visitor attraction and reinforced the property's role as an entertainment and cultural venue.

  Source
• 2021Immersive Van Gogh

  United States

  The entire third floor was used for an immersive, interactive presentation based on Vincent van Gogh's art.

  Outcome. The event added an experiential exhibition format to the property's retail and dining offer.

  Source

• 2022

  Replace The Pub with Toca MaderaStrategy

  Background

  Todd English departed the property in 2017, after which the venue operated under the simpler name The Pub.

  Action taken

  The Pub was replaced by Toca Madera, a Mexican restaurant, in 2022.

  Aftermath

  The change continued the property's pattern of refreshing its restaurant and nightlife offer.

  Source

• 2016

  Sell the retail district to Invesco and SimonM&A

  Background

  MGM had developed the retail component with the possibility of selling it separately from the broader CityCenter complex.

  Action taken

  MGM Resorts International and Dubai World sold The Shops at Crystals to Invesco and Simon Property Group in a joint transaction.

  Aftermath

  Ownership of the retail asset moved to the Invesco-Simon partnership, while the property continued operating as a luxury shopping destination.

  Acquisition price. $1.1 billion transaction value (April 2016)

  Source

• 2012

  Rebrand Beso as SheStrategy

  Background

  The Beso and Eve operation experienced bankruptcy, investor disputes, and financial difficulties.

  Action taken

  After Landry's acquired the business, Beso was remodeled and reopened as She, a female-oriented steakhouse with a nightclub.

  Aftermath

  The nightclub closed in early 2013 and She closed in May 2014.

  Source

• 2010

  Replace Brasserie Puck with CucinaStrategy

  Background

  Brasserie Puck did not meet expectations after the property's opening.

  Action taken

  The restaurant was replaced by Cucina, a new Italian concept from Wolfgang Puck, which opened in June 2010.

  Aftermath

  The change illustrates the property's early adjustment of its dining mix during the post-opening period.

  Source

1. 1The Shops at Crystalsen.wikipedia.org
2. 2The Shops at Crystals official websitecrystalsatcitycenter.com