Moulin+Rouge

Moulin Rouge (Red Windmill) is a cabaret located in Paris, France. On October 6, 1889, Moulin Rouge opened in the Jardin de Pairs during the Belle Époque era. The Belle Époque era, known as the "Golden Age," is when peace and optimism were at a high point, and it was also when the Eiffel Tower was constructed (1889). The Moulin Rouge is located at the bottom of the Montmartre hill with a giant elephant in its garden to promote people from all over the world to visit.

The co-founders, Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler understood what the public liked and kept the cabaret up to date on its dances and performances. Oller and Zidler had certain "ingredients" for the huge success of the Moulin Rouge. These ingredients included a revolutionary architecture, festive champagne evenings, a new dance called The Can-Can, famous dancers and a great place for artists to paint the perfect picture. One of the cabaret's greatest moments was on October 26, 1890 when His Royal Highness the Prince of Whales, Edward VII, was on a private trip to Paris and booked a table after he heard about the Moulin Rouge's reputation. When he was there, a famous dancer by the name of La Goulue recognized him and yelled "Hey, Wales, the champagne's on you!" while she had her leg up in the air and her head in her skirts.

On November 12, 1897, the Moulin Rouge closed its doors for the first time when Charles Zidler, manager and co-founder, passed away. Unfortunately, on February 27, 1915 the Moulin Rouge was completely destroyed in a fire but was rebuilt and reopened in 1921. After World War I, Francis Salabert took over operations of The Moulin Rouge. He reinvigorated the cabaret. The Moulin Rouge became popular once more with rising stars such as Mistinguett, Jeanne Aubert, and Maurice Chevalier. In her time, Mistinguett was the highest paid female entertainer in the world. The Moulin Rouge has also been a setting for more than a dozen movies ranging from musicals to comedies to romances. Today, you can still have dinner and catch an amazing show at the Moulin Rouge.