The iconic windmill sails of the Moulin Rouge in Paris collapsed for the first time in its 134-year history overnight. The incident occurred at 2 a.m., shortly after the venue’s last show had ended. Fortunately, there is no further risk of collapse, according to Paris firefighters.
A Moulin Rouge official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the incident happened after closing and that the cabaret’s technical teams had not noticed any problems with the windmill mechanism during their weekly checks. However, the exact cause of the collapse was not provided.
Director of the cabaret, Jean-Victor Clerico, stated that there was no evidence of foul play and suggested that a technical failure may have been the cause of the damage. The collapse resulted in the first three letters of “Moulin” being knocked off the venue’s signage.
The Moulin Rouge, founded in 1889, holds a significant place in Paris nightlife history and is known as the birthplace of the can-can dance. The venue is located at the foot of Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris and will celebrate its 135th anniversary on October 6.
Despite facing challenges such as a fire in 1915, the Moulin Rouge has remained a symbol of Paris and has gained international recognition, especially after the release of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film “Moulin Rouge!” The accident comes just before Paris is set to host the Olympics for the third time.
Many locals, like former head waiter André Duval, expressed concern about the impact of the windmill’s collapse on tourists who visit Paris specifically to see the Moulin Rouge. The iconic landmark holds significant cultural significance for the city and its absence is likened to Paris without the Eiffel Tower.