Paris Olympia

Founded in 1888 by Joseph Oller, the creator of the Moulin Rouge, the Olympia is the oldest music hall in Paris, today easily recognizable by its giant red glowing letters announcing its name. It opened in 1889 as the "Montagnes Russes" but was renamed the Olympia in 1893. The photo is of an 1898 Olympia poster from the "Maitres de l'Affiche" series.

It is the place where Edith Piaf achieved fame and where, just a few months before her death from cancer, she gave one of her most memorable concerts while barely able to stand.

Every aspiring singer in France, dreams to play the Olympia. Most all major singers, groups, or entertainers who achieve stardom and who come to Paris, perform at the Olympia.