The sails of the classic red windmill atop Paris’ most famous cabaret club, the Moulin Rouge, tumbled down overnight on Thursday, much to the dismay of tourists, but with no human casualties.
The collapse occurred after the night’s final performance had concluded and the crowd had departed the iconic cabaret establishment, known for its spectacular acts and can-can dancers, some time before 2 a.m.
Moulin Rouge General Manager Jean-Victor Clerico told reporters, “The Moulin Rouge, in 135 years of history, has experienced many adventures but it is true that for the sails, this is the first time that this has happened.”
Despite the structural setback, Clerico said that the show at Moulin Rouge will go on, underlining the cabaret’s tenacity and determination to carry on its tradition. “The show continues; that’s the most important thing.”
A representative for the Moulin Rouge stated that the theatre will work with experts and its insurance carrier to determine the cause of the calamity.
The mayor of Paris’s 18th district, Eric Lejoindre, tweeted on X that the structure was not at risk of collapsing further.
The Moulin Rouge, built in 1889, became a global emblem of late 19th-century Parisian culture, with its legendary can-can dancers extensively represented in works by avant-garde painters of the time, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Georges Seurat.
It was heavily damaged by fire in 1915 and closed for nine years for restoration. At present, its audience is primarily made up of tourist groups.