Moulin Rouge cabaret marks 137 years since Paris opening

On October 6, 1889, the Moulin Rouge cabaret opened in the Montmartre district of Paris. Founded by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, the establishment was designed to bring together aristocrats, workers, and artists under one roof.

Located near the site of the World's Fair, the cabaret became a symbol of the Belle Époque. Its iconic red windmill, designed by architect Adolphe Willet, remains a globally recognized landmark. While the can-can dance existed prior to the cabaret's opening, the Moulin Rouge provided the venue that elevated the dance to international fame, featuring stars such as Louise Weber.

The venue's identity was shaped by its diverse clientele and its association with artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose works frequently depicted the cabaret's atmosphere. Over the decades, the Moulin Rouge has hosted legendary performers including Edith Piaf and Frank Sinatra, evolving into one of France's most visited tourist attractions.