Olympia

Olympia is Paris's legendary concert hall on Boulevard des Capucines, in the 9th arrondissement, just a short walk from the Palais Garnier opera house and the grand boulevards.

How did this venue come to be?

The site has an unusual backstory. In 1888, a wooden roller coaster was built in the courtyard at this address — a novelty ride that was quickly torn down once it was judged a fire hazard. A few years later, in 1893, one of the co-founders of the Moulin Rouge opened a performance hall here, the first in Paris to carry the name "music-hall." Early programs featured acrobats, ventriloquists, ballet troupes and variety revues, with dancer La Goulue, performer Loïe Fuller and illusionist Fregoli among the first headline acts.

By the late 1920s theatrical shows had fallen out of favor and the building was converted into a cinema. Its revival came in 1954, when Bruno Coquatrix took over as director — on 5 February that year the hall reopened with a grand ceremony as a music-hall seating close to 2,000 people.

What turned Olympia into a legend?

From the mid-1950s onward, the hall became a stage for major concerts. Édith Piaf performed here regularly from January 1955 to October 1962, and in 1961, despite being ill, she still gave two shows a night for three straight months — it was on this very stage that one of her most famous songs, "Non, je ne regrette rien," rang out.

Another defining moment came with the Beatles, who played eighteen days of concerts here, from 16 January to 4 February 1964, sometimes performing three shows a day. From that point on, Olympia became a required stop for rock acts hoping to win over European audiences.

In the early 1990s the building faced the threat of demolition to make way for redevelopment, but it was saved when it was granted heritage protection. The entire structure was rebuilt in 1997, preserving the venue's character and name.

How do you get there?

Olympia sits right in the heart of Paris, at 28 Boulevard des Capucines in the 9th arrondissement. The location is extremely well connected — the nearest metro stations are Opéra and Madeleine, and it's an easy walk from Place Vendôme or the Grands Boulevards, just a few minutes away.

How many people does the hall hold?

Capacity varies with the type of event — from 1,985 seats for seated concerts up to 2,824 people for standing shows.

When is the best time to visit?

The hall runs a year-round program, hosting French and international musicians, cabaret-style shows and the occasional gala. It's worth checking the current lineup before your trip and booking tickets in advance, since popular concerts sell out quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Olympia located? At 28 Boulevard des Capucines, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, close to the Palais Garnier opera house.

How many seats does the venue have? Between 1,985 and 2,824, depending on whether the event is seated or standing.

Who has performed at Olympia? Among its most famous shows are Édith Piaf's recitals (1955–1962) and the Beatles' eighteen-day residency in 1964.

Is the building original from the 19th century? Not entirely — after facing demolition in the early 1990s, the whole structure was rebuilt in 1997, keeping the venue's name and character intact.