Paris’ iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret club lost the sails of its historic windmill overnight on Wednesday. The red windmill, a symbol almost as iconic to the City of Lights as the Eiffel Tower, had its blades fall sometime before 2 a.m. The club’s general manager Jean-Victor Clerico stated that while the Moulin Rouge has experienced many adventures in its 135-year history, this is the first time this has happened with the wings of the windmill. Fortunately, there were no injuries as the sails fell on an empty boulevard.
The Moulin Rouge, founded in 1889, is known for its famous can-can dancers and has a history closely tied with art and culture in Paris. Artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec have depicted the dancers in their work, and the club was portrayed in the 2001 musical starring Nicole Kidman of the same name. The club generally holds two 90-minute shows each night at 9 and 11 p.m. The incident of the windmill losing its sails has left residents saddened, with one saying that it feels like the Moulin Rouge has lost its soul.
Despite the unfortunate event, visitors and residents alike hope that the sails will be restored to maintain the charm of the “old Moulin Rouge.” A Danish tourist expressed her wish for the windmill to be repaired, emphasizing the symbol that it represents for Paris. The incident comes almost exactly five years after a fire in 2019 destroyed parts of the Notre-Dame cathedral, including the wooden spire and roof. Restoration work on the cathedral is still ongoing, and a new spire was revealed in February.
The general manager of the Moulin Rouge stated that the club will investigate the cause of the sails falling, although it does not appear to be intentional. The windmill has been a significant symbol for many, with one German tourist likening it to the Eiffel Tower in representing the essence of Paris. The incident highlights the importance of preserving historical landmarks in the city, as illustrated by the reaction of residents and tourists expressing sadness over the loss of the windmill’s sails.
The security measures for the Paris Olympics, including massive policing and security checks for residents, contrast with the more cultural aspect of Paris represented by the Moulin Rouge. The windmill has been a symbol of entertainment and artistry in the city for over a century, with its can-can dancers and rich history attracting visitors from around the world. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of historical landmarks to unforeseen events, prompting calls for restoration to maintain the integrity and charm of Paris’ cultural heritage.
As restoration work continues on the Notre-Dame cathedral following the devastating fire in 2019, the incident at the Moulin Rouge underscores the significance of preserving and protecting historical sites in Paris. The loss of the windmill’s sails has left a sense of sadness among residents and visitors, who hope for its restoration to maintain the soul of the iconic cabaret club. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage and the importance of safeguarding these symbols that contribute to the uniqueness and charm of the City of Lights.
