Moulin Rouge: 137 Years of Parisian Cabaret History, from 1889 to Today
The Moulin Rouge, inaugurated on 6 October 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, marks its 137th anniversary. Initially a ball at place Blanche, it showcased the French cancan, featuring performers like La Goulue. Renowned artist Toulouse-Lautrec created seventeen pieces inspired by the venue. By 1890, Edward VII was among its attendees, and the first revue was established. After the final ball in December 1902, it transitioned into a music hall. Mistinguett made her debut in 1907, and a fire in 1915 necessitated a rebuild in the 1920s. The establishment functioned as a cinema until 1980, with Édith Piaf performing in 1944. The Clérico family took control in 1955, introducing the dinner-show, while the revue Féerie has been performed nightly since December 1999. Preparations for the 140th anniversary are underway.
Key facts
- The Moulin Rouge opened on 6 October 1889 at place Blanche, founded by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler.
- Toulouse-Lautrec produced seventeen works inspired by the venue, including its iconic posters.
- The last ball took place in December 1902, after which it became a music-hall.
- Mistinguett performed there from 1907 to 1929; Édith Piaf sang in 1944 with Yves Montand as her opening act.
- Joseph and Louis Clérico took over in 1955 and created the dinner-show format; Doris Haug founded the Doriss Girls in 1957.
- Since Frou-Frou in 1963, every revue title has begun with the letter F.
- The revue Féerie has played nightly since December 1999 with 1,000 costumes.
- The windmill's wings collapsed on 25 April 2024 and turned again on 5 July 2024, before the Olympic flame passed.
Entities
Artists
- La Goulue
- Jane Avril
- Nini Pattes en l'air
- Valentin le Désossé
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
- Mistinguett
- Jean Gabin
- Édith Piaf
- Yves Montand
- Charles Trenet
- Charles Aznavour
- Line Renaud
- Frank Sinatra
- Liza Minnelli
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Mikhail Baryshnikov
- Janet Pharaoh
- Joseph Oller
- Charles Zidler
- Joseph Clérico
- Louis Clérico
- Jacki Clérico
- Doris Haug
- Edward VII
Institutions
- Moulin Rouge
- Doriss Girls
- Clérico family
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Montmartre
- place Blanche
- boulevard de Clichy
- 82 boulevard de Clichy
- 75018
- Blanche