THE MOULIN ROUGE MADE THE WALLS OF THE MUSEE D’ORSAY SHAKE !
For one weekend, the Moulin Rouge swapped its Montmartre stage for the galleries of the Musée d’Orsay. On May 24 and 25, 2025, these two Parisian institutions joined forces for a unique and festive event. On the agenda: spectacular costumes, meet-and-greets with the cabaret’s master artisans, lectures, and an immersive show. A chance to (re)discover the world of the Moulin Rouge through the lens of art, in one of Paris’s most iconic cultural venues.
Far from being a simple nostalgic nod to the past, this collaboration highlights the dynamic spirit of a cabaret that is constantly evolving—and its lively dialogue with visual arts, craftsmanship, and the contemporary stage. A true bridge between history, creativity, and spectacle.
© Moulin Rouge – Philippe Wojazer
What was on the program for this unique exhibition?
Highlights of the weekend
The museum’s grand nave was transformed into a catwalk for an exceptional fashion show featuring over 100 costumes from the cabaret’s archives and from its Formidable and Féerie revues — Féerie being the show currently running at the Moulin Rouge. These unique pieces tell the story of a place, a time, and a style.
Beyond the stage, the event also spotlighted the behind-the-scenes world of the Parisian cabaret through immersive encounters with the artisans. Visitors had the opportunity to speak with:
– the costume designers of Atelier de création Mines Verges,
– the feather artisans of Maison Février,
– the embroiderers of Atelier Valentin, and
– the shoemakers of Maison Clairvoy.
These are rare, 100% French artisanal skills that the Moulin Rouge’s various artistic houses bring to life every day.
Two conferences also enriched the weekend’s program:
– On Saturday, “French cancan and feminism” offered a contemporary take on this dance—both spectacular and empowering.
– On Sunday, “Moulin Rouge: 135 years of history and posters” explored the cabaret’s visual, artistic, and cultural legacy.
An iconic French cancan to light up the evening
On Saturday night, the luckiest visitors got to extend the experience in a more intimate setting. After the costume show and artisan demonstrations came a standout moment: a thrilling French cancan performance by the dancers of the Moulin Rouge, set to the iconic music. The energetic staging, right in the heart of the museum, transported the audience through a journey of art, time, and emotion.
© Moulin Rouge – Philippe Wojazer
Because a picture is worth a thousand words…
This meeting of two Parisian institutions proved to be a winning bet: one that fostered a dialogue between the arts, eras, and crafts within a single space. Thanks to an innovative and interdisciplinary program, the partnership between the Moulin Rouge and the Musée d’Orsay offered visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.
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