Paris’s beloved Moulin Rouge encountered an unexpected setback as the iconic windmill sails unexpectedly detached on Thursday, just months ahead of the anticipated influx of tourists for the Paris Olympics.
According to the BBC, the blades tumbled onto the street in the early hours of Thursday morning, accompanied by the initial three letters of the Moulin Rouge sign. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident, and the cause remains under investigation.
Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support, the cabaret show took to Instagram, announcing, “We are open this evening to keep the spirit of the Parisian party alive!” Assurances from Paris firefighters indicated no imminent risk of further collapse. Jean-Victor Clerico, the cabaret’s director, attributed the incident to “obviously a technical problem,” as reported by the BBC.
Established since October 6, 1889, the Moulin Rouge has remained an emblem of Parisian culture, with its famed windmill a fixture since its inception. Over the years, it has hosted luminaries such as Edith Piaf, housed a clandestine Airbnb apartment, and served as inspiration for stage and screen adaptations, notably the film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
However, tragedy struck in 1915 when a devastating fire engulfed the original venue, leaving only the facade and a portion of the stage intact, as documented by The New York Times. Undeterred, the Moulin Rouge persevered, evolving into a renowned destination cherished by visitors and locals alike.
Nestled in Paris’s Montmartre neighborhood, renowned for its artistic allure and colorful history, the Moulin Rouge continues to captivate audiences nightly with its immersive dinner and show experience. Featuring an array of iconic French cuisine, from pressed beef cheek confit to truffle risotto, and adorned with a spectacle of feathers, sequins, and rhinestones, the cabaret promises an unforgettable soirée.
Amidst the vibrancy of Montmartre, with its picturesque Sacré-Cœur Basilica and bustling artistic scene, the Moulin Rouge remains an enduring symbol of Parisian joie de vivre, ensuring that the spirit of revelry endures despite the loss of its cherished windmill blades.