[Sponsored Article] When night falls in Paris, a curtain rises… at the Moulin Rouge. Since 1889, the world’s most famous cabaret has been offering enchantment with two shows every night, representing a total of nearly 50,000 curtain rises. This year, on October 6th, the Moulin Rouge will celebrate its 135th anniversary! While this emblematic Parisian venue fascinates the whole world, it is no less intriguing for those of us who live here, and it never fails to surprise us a little more each day. The secrets found behind the façade of this cabaret – one crowned by a windmill with its iconic red blades – are well kept. Today, however, the Moulin Rouge has opened its doors to us, and we invite you to join us on a quest to discover its history.
The Workshops
There are no fewer than 500 people behind the curtain at the Moulin Rouge, working day and night to transform the cabaret into a true place of enchantment.
In addition to its troupe of artists, members of the brigade, kitchen staff, technical staff, dressers, and more, the international institution has its own Maisons d’Art, which create the 1,000 costumes needed for the four tableaux that form the revue.
Among them, Maison Clairvoy, specialist in the manufacture of French Cancan boots, is responsible for the creation and maintenance of 800 pairs of shoes for the Féerie revue. Maison Février is an expert in feathers, giving color and lightness to the artists’ costumes. Atelier Valentin brings elegance and delicacy to stage costumes with its refined, sparkling details. Finally, the creation costume workshop, run by the iconic Mine Vergès, works hand in hand with the other workshops to bring our artists’ exceptional costumes to life.
The French Cancan
The French Cancan, the dance that has been symbolic of the Moulin Rouge for the past 135 years, was a symbol of revolution, and a means of expression for 19th-century women!
At a time when women who danced on their own were considered “crazy,” the seamstresses and laundresses of Montmartre danced at balls to claim their freedom. By lifting their skirts and showing off their legs, and making noise with their heels, they challenged societal norms. While the French Cancan is now seen by many as a symbol of festivity and lightness – and remains one of the hallmarks of French culture – let’s not forget that its creators were pioneers of female emancipation!
The Gastronomy
With its executive chef Arnaud Demerville, who was recently decorated with the title of Maître Cuisinier de France, the Moulin Rouge has also obtained the highly prized title of ‘Maître Restaurateur,’ a guarantee of creativity and quality. These well-earned honors underline the gastronomic excellence of this cultural institution.
On the menu are reinvented traditional French specialities, always prepared with local, seasonal produce, and accompanied by champagne. With 240,000 bottles opened each year, the Moulin Rouge is undoubtedly the largest private consumer of champagne in the world! From 7 pm onwards, spectators can enjoy dinner to the pleasant background music of the Moulin Rouge Orchestra, and dance until the first curtain rises at 9 pm.
A Place Full of History
The Moulin Rouge is a place full of history, with a multitude of stories to tell.
Here are a few anecdotes that might surprise you.
After being presented at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, the Moulin Rouge adopted a stucco elephant, which took up residence in the iconic venue’s gardens, and even housed a hidden dance hall. Many may recognize it as the inspiration for the elephant in Baz Luhrmann’s film, Moulin Rouge! where it served as the dressing room for the leading lady, Satine.
In the early 20th century, the famous cabaret hosted a huge amusement park in its gardens. Among the attractions were: a 10-meter-high Ferris wheel powered by the strength of two cyclists, stuntmen, a snake-woman, and even a trapezist.
In 1935, the world’s most famous cabaret was also Europe’s second-largest cinema! For several years now, the 7th art has made a comeback at the Moulin Rouge, with open-air screenings held on the terrace of the Bar à Bulles.
For more information, please visit: Moulin Rouge.
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