Moulin Rouge history: What to know before visiting the Paris cabaret

If you’re a fan of the heart-wrenching romantic musical Moulin Rouge!, add the place that inspired the story to your Paris itinerary: the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris. Before you catch the rousing performances filled with feathers, sequins, and glitter, learn about the storied history of this Parisian institution, from infamous nightclub to world famous cabaret.

Here’s a brief history of the Moulin Rouge, and tips to know before going.

Founded in 1899 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, the Moulin Rouge was created to provide Parisians with a place to unwind in Montmartre. Fun fact: the Moulin Rouge was built in the same year as the iconic Eiffel Tower.

This marked the beginning of the Belle Epoque period—a time of celebration, prosperity and optimism after the war. Inside, the Moulin Rouge served as a reflection of all the glamor and decadence of the golden age.

Its electric atmosphere attracted people from all walks of life and paved the way for daring and innovative entertainment. It was also a time of free expression and exploration, where artists searched for ways to live the good life.

The Moulin Rouge was home to some of the most talented performers of the time and energetic French Cancan. As patrons watched the high kicks, frilly skirts, and charming nature of the cancan dance, the Moulin Rouge became the place to be. A testament to its popularity, the cabaret has played host to multiple famous personalities over the years, such as Sigmund Freud, Oscar Wilde, and the Prince of Wales.

In 1906, a long kiss onstage between two female performers sparked a riot and the cabaret was threatened with closure. The cabaret was completely destroyed by a fire nine years later; it opened again in 1921 after lengthy restoration works. The Moulin Rouge was transformed again in 1929 into a cinema with a nightclub where the ballroom had once been.

In addition to the cancan, the show features pulsating performances, circus and comedy acts, as well as plenty of special effects.

In its current form, the Moulin Rouge presents a musical spectacle with over 80 performers dressed in extravagant costumes, many of them adorned with sequins, rhinestones, feathers, and the like. Catch the four-part revue show, Féerie, which features Cancan dancers, acrobats and even pirates, as it takes you on an enchanting journey through time.

There are two shows every night at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., with matinee shows from time to time. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. before the 9 p.m. show.

Everyone above the age of six can watch the Moulin Rouge shows. If you’re planning on bringing children, note that the show features partial nudity.

Prices for the Moulin Rouge vary greatly. Basic tickets (show only) start from EUR87 (USD92) per person while packages which include dinner and drinks can range from EUR150 to EUR400 (USD158 to USD422) per person.

There are also VIP tickets, which can go for over EUR400 (USD422) per person. These skip-the-line tickets include exclusive VIP seats (there are only 24 in the theater), a gourmet dinner, a complimentary coat-check ticket, champagne, as well as chocolates or macarons for dessert.

Book the tickets directly from the official Moulin Rouge website, or look out for tour packages that may include champagne, a four-course dinner or even bundled with other Paris attractions, like a Seine River cruise.

The cabaret requires patrons to be in smart or elegant attire; we recommend leaving your shorts, activewear, sports shoes, or flip-flops in your suitcase. Don’t be surprised if you see guests dressed to kill; many seize the chance to dress up in suits or cocktail dresses.

Resist the urge to document every second of your holiday—photography or filming of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the Moulin Rouge. Security officers keep a keen lookout, and will ask patrons to leave should they be caught red-handed.

However, don’t miss out on taking a photo in front of the cabaret’s iconic exterior before or after the show.

You can leave your small bags and coats at the on-site cloakroom for around EUR2 (USD2). Larger bags or luggages aren’t accepted, and won’t be allowed into the show either.

Another thing about the Moulin Rouge is that there are no fixed seats. Patrons will be escorted to their tables and seats upon arrival. The VIP tickets get stage-side seats, followed by bookings for dinner.

The rest of the seats are allocated based on when the tickets are purchased; all the more reason to buy your tickets well ahead of the show date. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of each show.

Souvenirs are sold from a small counter in the foyer before and after the show. Otherwise, you’ll be able to find some at a store located just a stone’s throw away on Rue Lepic.

The Moulin Rouge is located in Pigalle, just down the hill from Montmartre. The cabaret is situated just opposite the Blanche metro station (line 2), which operates until 2 a.m.

While there is no parking on-site, the cabaret has an ongoing arrangement with the Clichy Montmartre car park (just a few minutes’ walk away) and offers preferred rates. To enjoy this, select the ‘Forfait Moulin Rouge’ option when booking your tickets through the website or flash your tickets to the car park cashier.

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