Audio GuideMoulin Rouge
Famed 19th-century cabaret featuring Belle Epoque decor, dinner & dancers in elaborate costumes.
Night Club
Paris, France
Step inside the Moulin Rouge, a legendary cabaret where Paris's heartbeat has pulsed for more than a century. Opened in the late eighteen-eighties by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, this remarkable venue sits at the foot of Montmartre, in the lively Pigalle district. Its founders dreamed of a place where people from all walks of life could gather for dazzling nights, and since then, the Moulin Rouge has become a symbol of the creative energy and elegance of the Belle Époque, an era known for its love of beauty and celebration.
The Moulin Rouge’s signature red windmill greets you at the entrance, a playful landmark designed by Léon-Adolphe Willette. Its bold color pays tribute both to the nearby red-light district and to stories from Paris's colorful past. At its birth, the cabaret stood out not only for its bright exterior but also for its groundbreaking technology. It was among Paris's first venues to be fully electrified, with décor that could change within minutes, setting the perfect stage for ever-evolving performances.
Inside, the scene shimmers with opulent Belle Époque decor: velvet drapes, glimmering lights, and a dance floor filled with excitement. The Moulin Rouge is the birthplace of the French can-can, a wildly energetic dance famous for its high kicks and lively spirit. Dance icons such as La Goulue, Jane Avril, and Mistinguett helped shape this art form, enchanting guests and inspiring the famous artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who captured their performances in paintings and posters.
Over the years, stars like Édith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier, and international legends including Liza Minnelli and Elton John have graced its stage. Even during world wars and occasional closures, the Moulin Rouge has always bounced back, keeping its unique blend of music, dance, and spectacle alive. Its influence has spread far beyond Paris, inspiring films like the early two-thousands musical by Baz Luhrmann and appearances in artwork and literature around the world.
Today, the Moulin Rouge enchants visitors with modern dinner shows that blend classic cabaret with new creative energy. The surrounding neighborhoods, Montmartre and Pigalle, add to its vibrancy with their bohemian charm, drawing artists, musicians, and dreamers. The Moulin Rouge welcomes guests year-round, promising an unforgettable night filled with music, laughter, and the undeniable spirit of Paris.
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