LAS VEGAS >> The Las Vegas Strip’s newest concert space is opening its doors just before the new year with a performance by pop star Bruno Mars

The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas announced today that Mars will play shows on Dec. 29 and 31 at its new Eastern European glass factory-themed venue. He will return to the hotel-casino six more times during 2014.

The 3,000-capacity theater, called the Chelsea, features glass chandeliers, brick walls, a grand staircase, high ceilings and a vintage wooden bar.

The Cosmopolitan is touting the space as an “avant garde” venue where fans can get an up-close look at stars who usually play arenas.

CEO John Unwin told The Associated Press earlier in the year that the space would be an antidote to vanilla venues along the Strip.