The Chinese Grand Café – Bataclan Theater was built by Charles Duval in 1864, in lless than ten months. Le Bataclan has imposing dimensions, in the shape of a Chinese pagoda. « Ba-Ta-Clan » is a popular phrase to describe a large gear which is to be dispensed to list items. The show at the Bataclan was indeed an accumulation of artists in all genres without coherence. So, much more than the show itself, at the beginning the public was interested in the architecture. In the afternoon people came to the sum of one franc, admiring the big room of 2,500 seats, which heavy vault, was not supported by any column. Without spectators, the founder company could not bear the expenses.

In 1865, the Bataclan was sold to Pâris who gave to the Chinese temple and the new and ultimate direction that made his reputation. He dismissed the acrobats and dancers and replaced them by small comedies inspired by popular vaudeville actors : Scribe, Bayard… and scheduled big concerts.

In the late nineteenth century, the Bataclan lost its popularity. Until in June 1905, Gaston Habrekorn, a famous poet-songwriter, author of « sensual songs » , attracted back to Boulevard Voltaire the public who had deserted, with the style a little « special » of his shows !

In the 50s, the Bataclan, architectural masterpiece of Charles Duval, is partly pulled down shot and for safety reasons the room must be rebuild. The new room, smaller (1350 seats), was inaugurated on December 12, 1952.

Today the Bataclan is at its height : comedy, musical French and International variety, trendy nightlife …

Le Bataclan

50 Boulevard Voltaire
75011 Paris
01 43 14 00 30