Olympia, the Most Legendary of Parisian Theaters
Located two minutes' walk from the Relais Madeleine, Olympia is the oldest and still active music hall in Paris and is undoubtedly one of the mythical places of the capital. There is, indeed, no theater in Paris, and even France, that features such an impressive list of gathered artists:
Josephine Baker, Jacques Tati, Coluche, Sylvie Vartan, Jacques Brel, Oum Kulthum, Jane Birkin, Marlene Dietrich, Lizza Minelli, Mistinguette, Marcel Marceau, the Jackson Five, Yes, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, John Baez, Elton John, Charles Aznavour, Barbara, Edith Piaf, Johnny Hallyday, Gilbert Bécaud (he gave thirty-three shows) ... to name but a ''few''.
With 320 shows a year, the Olympia, is certainly the French hall with the most significant programming in both volume and celebrities.
OLYMPIA'S HISTORY
In 1888, Joseph Oller, founder of the Moulin Rouge, was riding a roller-coaster in the courtyard of the 28, boulevard des Capucines but police, fearing fire, demanded closure of the attraction. Oller proceeded with its demolition and built a theater with 2,000 seats. The Olympia was born.
But the wheel kept turning, and in 1954 the Olympia became a simple movie theater when Bruno Coquatrix took over management of the business. The new Olympia opened on February 5, 1954.
In 1961, the Olympia was on the verge of bankruptcy. Bruno Merrick called Edith Piaf to the rescue, who held it for three months but gave up her presence for the benefit of the Music Hall. Then, Jacques Tati became the successor by presenting ‘Jour de Fête’ with a partially colorized film for the occasion. The entertainer can be seen performing his charming antics in front of the music hall on stage. Both artists would save the Olympia.
Backstage at the Olympia
In 1997, for technical and especially financial reasons, the Music Hall was destroyed and rebuilt 30 meters further away, partially identical and in seven months! Arnaud Delbarre, former director of the Olympia provides us with some secrets about this legendary venue:
We can see the public bar but especially the Bar Marylyn in the loges, also identically rebuilt, which moved Mick Jagger when he saw it for the 2nd time. We also see the billiards room, which was previously above the Olympia, in which there were never any billiards. It was in a deplorable state before the move and was, and still is, used as an audition room. Some 15 to 50 entertainers paraded there under the watchful eyes pf the ‘3 wise men’: Bruno Coquatrix, Eddie Barclay and Lucien Morisse. Artists had 30 seconds to demonstrate their career.
Exceptional ocuments about the OlympiA
- Yves Montand « A paris » – Olympia 1981 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0do-UYWZKoY
- Gilbert Bécaud and Bruno Coquatrix en 1968 :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUxCMQ9uUkY
- Farewell to Jacques Brel - Olympia 1966 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnpnIRWEHjQ
- Josephine backer "April in Paris" – Olympia 1964 : http://www.ina.fr/video/I15092397/josephine-baker-april-in-paris-video.html
- Bruno Coquatrix tells his incredible story about Oum Kalsoum : http://www.ina.fr/video/I15021912/bruno-coquatrix-sur-oum-kalsoum-video.html
Have a great show !
OLYMPIA
28 Boulevard des Capucines - 75009 Paris
Programming and ticket office online : http://www.olympiahall.com/Book in advance to get the best rate.
Payment 50% of the stay at reservation, cancelation without penalty 20 days before your arrival date.
Additional City Tax will be collected by the hotel upon check out
In case of invalid credit card, the hotel may cancel the booking,
Available only on our website
Modifiable by phone +33(0)1.47.42.22.40 or by mail contact@relaismadeleine.fr 1 day before the arrival date (24H)
Cancellable without penalty 2 days before the arrival date (48h)
Additional City Tax will be collected by the hotel upon check out
In case of invalid credit card, the hotel may cancel the booking,
If you want to offer this trip we invite you to contact us after booking
Additional City Tax will be collected by the hotel upon check out
In case of invalid credit card, the hotel may cancel the booking,