Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge, the famous Parisian cabaret, opened its doors on October 6, 1889, in the vibrant Montmartre district. Founded by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, the goal was to create a place of entertainment capable of attracting a diverse audience, from wealthy bourgeoisie to humble workers. Located on Boulevard de Clichy, the cabaret quickly became a symbol of Paris, thanks to its iconic facade dominated by a red windmill. The Moulin Rouge embodied the spirit of the Belle Époque, an era of optimism, artistic innovation, and economic prosperity. Inside, guests were welcomed by walls of mirrors, sparkling chandeliers, and an atmosphere of pure opulence. In the gardens, a colossal plaster elephant, a legacy of the 1889 Universal Exhibition, housed a belly dancer who entertained the clients. One of the most iconic elements of the Moulin Rouge was the cancan, an exuberant and provocative dance that became synonymous with the cabaret itself. The cancan was characterized by high kicks, swirling skirts, and a vitality that captivated the audience. The most famous dancer of the Moulin Rouge, La Goulue, was renowned for her boldness and rebellious spirit. A famous anecdote tells that in 1890, when the Prince of Wales, future Edward VII, visited the cabaret, La Goulue shouted at him: “Hey, Wales, you’re buying the champagne!”. The Moulin Rouge also became a meeting place for artists and writers. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, one of the most famous regulars, immortalized the cabaret and its inhabitants in numerous paintings and posters, helping to cement its fame. His works capture the lively energy of the venue and the unique personalities of its patrons. In 1915, a devastating fire destroyed much of the Moulin Rouge. However, the cabaret rose from the ashes and reopened in 1921, continuing to evolve and adapt to the times. In the 1920s, the venue hosted variety shows and concerts, with performances by artists like Mistinguett, one of the most beloved performers of the era. During World War II, the Moulin Rouge faced difficult times, but in the 1950s, under the new direction of Georges France, the cabaret experienced a revival with renewed splendor. It was during this period that the tradition of “revues” began – lavish variety shows that combined dance, music, and elaborate sets. The first of these, “Frou-Frou,” was such a success that it established a tradition where all subsequent shows would have names starting with the letter “F,” such as “Fascination” and “Féerie”. The Moulin Rouge has continued to host some of the biggest stars in the world of music and entertainment. Edith Piaf, Yves Montand, Frank Sinatra, and Liza Minnelli are just a few of the legendary artists who have graced the cabaret stage. Today, the Moulin Rouge is famous for its “Féerie” shows, featuring 60 artists including dancers, singers, and acrobats, in an explosion of colors and sounds that attract visitors from around the world.