Folies Bergère
The Folies Bergère (French pronunciation: [fɔ.li bɛʁ.ʒɛʁ]) is a cabaret music hall, located in Paris, France. Located at 32 Rue Richer in the 9th Arrondissement, the Folies Bergère was built as an opera house by the architect Plumeret. It opened on 2 May 1869 as the Folies Trévise, with light entertainment including operettas, comic opera, popular songs, and gymnastics. It became the Folies Bergère on 13 September 1872, named after nearby Rue Bergère. The house was at the height of its fame and popularity from the 1890s' Belle Époque through the 1920s.
2013, after renovation of facade (originally created in 1926) | |
Folies Bergère Location within France | |
| Address | 32 Rue Richer Paris France |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 48.8742°N 2.3449°E |
| Designation | Cabaret music-hall |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 2 May 1869 |
| Architect | Plumeret |
| Website | |
| Foliesbergere.com | |
Revues featured extravagant costumes, sets and effects, and often nude women. In 1926, Josephine Baker, an African-American expatriate singer, dancer and entertainer, caused a sensation at the Folies Bergère by dancing in a costume consisting of a skirt made of a string of artificial bananas and little else.
The institution is still in business, and is still a strong symbol of French and Parisian life.