Alhambra

Alhambra is a music hall on rue Yves-Toudic in Paris's 10th arrondissement, named after the legendary Parisian entertainment venue that operated in the city from 1866 to 1967. The current stage carries on the spirit of that original hall, once famous for hosting some of France's biggest performers.

How to get there?

Alhambra sits in the 10th arrondissement, near the Canal Saint-Martin, on rue Yves-Toudic. The neighborhood is well served by metro, with several stations just a short walk from the venue. It's an area that mixes old Parisian charm with trendy cafés and bistros, so a night at the music hall pairs naturally with a stroll along the canal beforehand or afterward.

What will you see?

The name Alhambra comes from the original hall that opened in 1866 on rue de Malte in the 11th arrondissement — first as a circus, then as a theater, and from 1904 onward as a music hall in the American style then sweeping Paris. It was on that original stage in 1907 that Maurice Chevalier, one of the 20th century's most celebrated French entertainers, made his debut. After a fire destroyed the hall in 1925, it was rebuilt on an even grander scale, with Art Nouveau decoration and gilded stucco work that led audiences to nickname it the "golden temple." The original Alhambra closed its doors for good in May 1967, sending off its final audience with an ice show adaptation of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

The Alhambra known today was created in 2008, when a show producer converted a former hall belonging to a railway workers' association into a new concert venue, just a few hundred meters from the original site. It seats and stands between 600 and 800 spectators depending on the configuration, and since opening it has regularly hosted concerts, entertainment shows, and stand-up comedy. The room keeps an intimate feel, so even the back rows stay close to the stage.

When to visit?

Alhambra runs a year-round program, so the best time to visit depends mainly on what's on the bill — concerts, comedy shows, or special performances. Weeknights tend to be calmer, while Friday and Saturday shows draw the biggest crowds. Booking ahead is worthwhile, especially for popular acts, since the venue's seating is limited.

Frequently asked questions

Is today's Alhambra the same building where Maurice Chevalier made his debut? No. The original Alhambra on rue de Malte, where Chevalier debuted in 1907, closed in 1967. The current venue on rue Yves-Toudic opened in 2008 a few hundred meters away, taking its name from that legendary stage.

How many people can the venue hold? Alhambra holds between 600 and 800 spectators, depending on whether the layout is seated, standing, or a mix of both for a given event.

What kind of shows does Alhambra host? The venue programs concerts, entertainment shows, and stand-up comedy, continuing the music-hall tradition the original Alhambra was known for.

Why was the original Alhambra nicknamed the "golden temple"? After being rebuilt following the 1925 fire, the hall was decorated in lavish Art Nouveau style with gilded stucco and stained glass, which dazzled audiences of the time.