Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The new Folies Bergère


The Folies Bergère theater is one of the oldest and mythical music halls in Paris. It opened in 1869 and was one of the first theaters to show nude women and to offer costumed numbers which apparently was previously banned by the law at that time. A lot of Paris art history took place there: Josephine Baker had a review in the 30's so did Maurice Chevalier, Mistingett, etc. Maupassant mentioned it in Bel Ami, Manet painted one of the most famous impressionist photos there (Le Bar des Folies Bergère)... to name a few. I was going to forget why I took a photo of it today... Simply because they just redid the facade during the summer (it was about time!) and it really looks neat now!

11 comments:

  1. I hope to visit here one day. I kinda like nude women.

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  2. I feel like I am back in the 30's with this Art Deco look.

    When I pick up trash on the airplane in my rubber gloves with sequins and tons of feathers, I always get a laugh when I say I just came from the Follies Bergerie. Then some comedian will call me Big Bird!

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  3. LOL Stefan. Well don't make the trip on purpose you may be disappointed... They don't show nude women there anymore... As a matter of fact they just had this I don't think it really qualifies as nude women - nor women actually ;-)

    @PHX. " I always get a laugh when I say I just came from the Follies Bergerie." LOOOOOOOOOL! ANd you're right the Art deco look is really something. Too bad the rest of the neighborhood is not being renovated either.

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  4. Perfect Art Deco. I've not walked by the Folies Bergere or been inside. (Shame on you for the Ballet Trocadero trick!) Crazy Horse is another club known for beautiful nearly nude shows, as well as le Moulin Rouge. Never been to those, either. I guess I'm still expecting them to come see me!

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  5. I love how it looks -- Art Deco is marvelous!

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  6. Love these art deco art neuveau retro styles

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  7. Wow ! Beautiful work on this great Art Deco façade.

    You said you would like to see the neighborhood being renovated as well. I don't know if I would agree. Some signs of life are needed too, to make a neighborhood more real, to have this poignancy when you walk through. That is also an element that makes it more human. But of course not to the point of great decline.

    Mr. Tenin, now I know you are the owner of this blog. So I will not tell you again "if ever you go back there again" (ref. to a previous post of a few days ago). I'll keep posted here myself instead.

    Thanks for this blog, by the way !

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  8. No nude dancers at the Folies Bergere?
    It's not just the facade that's been cleaned up then.

    Things just ain't what they used to be.

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  9. @Drummond LOL

    @Arr Days "Some signs of life are needed too, to make a neighborhood more real, to have this poignancy when you walk through." I agree, only several buildings in the street are falling apart, the whole street is really dirty (I pass by it every morning - or so! - to go to the gym, so I can tell you there is romm for improvement, while keeping things "real"!

    I don't remember your previous post which day was it?

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