La Cigale is a concert hall and theatre at 120 boulevard de Rochechouart in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, just steps from Place Pigalle. Built in 1887 on the site of the former Boule Noire cabaret and rebuilt in 1894 under architect Henry Grandpierre, the venue has spent more than a century as one of the city’s defining stages for live entertainment.
After decades that saw it serve as a music hall and later a cinema, La Cigale was modernized in 1987 with an interior redesign by Philippe Starck and a hydraulic system allowing its orchestra platform to tilt and rise. Recognized as a French historical monument since 1981, it continues to operate today as a working concert venue in the heart of Pigalle.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: 18th arrondissement, Paris, France
- Type: Concert hall / theatre
- Opened: 1887 (rebuilt 1894)
- Capacity: 954 seated, about 1,389 standing
- Architect: Henry Grandpierre (1894 remodel)
- Interior redesign: Philippe Starck (1987)
- Famous for: Historic monument status since 1981
A Stage Through the Decades
La Cigale opened in the late 19th century and quickly became part of the entertainment fabric of Montmartre, drawing early stars of French cabaret and music hall like Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier, and Yvonne Printemps. Ceiling frescoes added by Adolphe Léon Willette during the 1894 remodel still remain part of the venue’s character. The building shifted to use as a cinema around 1940 before its eventual return to live performance.
A Modern Home for Live Music
The 1987 renovation by Philippe Starck transformed La Cigale into the concert hall known today, adding a hydraulic stage platform that can be raised or tilted depending on the show. Connected to the adjoining Boule Noire venue, La Cigale has since hosted acts spanning genres and eras, from Prince and Radiohead to Coldplay and Billie Eilish, and for years anchored Paris’s Inrockuptibles music festival.
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La Cigale FAQs
How old is La Cigale?
La Cigale first opened in 1887 and was rebuilt in 1894, making it more than 130 years old. It has been a protected French historical monument since 1981.
What is the capacity of La Cigale?
La Cigale holds about 954 people seated or up to roughly 1,389 people for standing shows.
Where is La Cigale located?
It sits at 120 boulevard de Rochechouart in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, near Place Pigalle.
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Photo: Andreas Praefcke / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.