La Belle Epoque, The History of Moulin Rouge
Years of celebration, decay, and art
The last years of the 19th century colored Paris with particular shades. After the current economic depression, Napoleon’s wars and poor class life, the Parisians experienced another renaissance, waking from a bad dream. In spite of the country’s poor state, this period brought new freedom, eccentric artistic influences, extravagance and authenticity to the European capital of style and fashion. La Belle Epoque marks the years of French euphoria and desire for expressionism, literary and artistic liberation, the mixing of beauty, pleasure, and entertainment. In the new luxurious world, the Bohemian Quarter Montmartre becomes the center of all events and a place where, together, rich and poor, old and young, Parisians, workers, elegant ladies, influential people, gamblers enjoyed the pleasure of the nightlife. Not far away, the red windmills spun, and the temple of modern cabarets was born — Moulin Rouge, a soul of the can-can seductive dance and a symbol of the French golden age.
And cabaret was born!
The legendary Cabaret Moulin Rouge first opened its doors to guests in October 1889. Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, two Parisian businessmen, had a vision of a place that would give a special kind of enjoyment and entertainment to the people. And indeed, together with the Eiffel Tower installation at the same time, this nightclub with its expressionist style and the influence of stunning Japanism — the impact of the Orient, Moulin Rouge becomes one of the recognizable symbols of Paris. Soon, cabarets experience the incredible success and popularity.
The interior was decorated with huge mirrors-walls, and luxurious crystalline chandeliers lighted from the ceiling. Curtains and carpets of gentle sarongs and nightshades, golden, glittering, glamorous. The garden was intended for enjoying the afternoon sun, and in the middle of the garden, there was a giant elephant sculpture, a part of the great exhibition from 1889. At night, lighting with a red windmill on the roof, Moulin Rouge fancifully fit into the City of Light.
The club quickly became the favorite place of the Parisians. The guests were wealthy, influential people, as well as ordinary workers and provincials. Moulin Rouge has become an inspiration for many great artists and creators of the time. Everyone was excited in the perfect combination of art, provocative fun, and the game that Belle Epoque brought.
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