The Moulin Rouge gained fame almost immediately with patrons the likes of Toulouse-Lautrec and his famous artwork. Sometimes forgotten, the cancan dance also gained fame here as a form of entertainment designed to entice male audience members. Although originally a more bawdy establishment, the club gradually became artistic in nature. Some of the most famous names in music such as Frank Sinatra and Edith Piaf have performed alongside topless dancers throughout its history.
In 1889 the Moulin Rouge opened complete with carnival atmosphere. From 1907 to 1929 Mistinguett graced the stage with fantastic revues attended by all the classes of French society. During WWII the club struggled but, and just days before the liberation of Paris Edith Piaf performed to adoring crowds. In
1951 the club finally recovered and began a return to the grand lady of theater revue it remains today.
The theater is located just near Montmartre in the red light district of Paris. It was built in 1889; as depicted in the 2001 film of the same name, the large elephant in the front was a prominent fixture. The circus atmosphere soon disappeared and was replaced with a touch of class in the paintings of Toulouse-Latrec. The name itself translates to "red mill;" the windmill that adorns it has become the trademark.
The Moulin Rouge defines over one hundred years of French entertainment from burlesque to dance to great revues. The cabaret style of entertainment made famous here has influenced many, but most notably the city of Las Vegas. What has come to be known as the typical Las Vegas show is actually an homage to its French roots.
There appears to be no end in sight for the success of the Moulin Rouge. In 1962 the shows became more and more fantastic, complete with an aquarium and the tradition of beginning with the letter F. The most popular and longest running was "Formidable" and the current show is "Feerie."