Dance Hall of Infamy: The Moulin Rouge Scandal - Moulin Rouge Windmill Spins Anew
In the heart of Paris, the iconic windmill of the Moulin Rouge, a symbol of the city's vibrant history and culture, has once again begun to spin. The much-anticipated event took place on July 10, 2025, following a restoration process initiated after the windmill's blades collapsed in April 2024.
The collapse, which occurred due to a failure in the windmill's central axis, resulted in the blades breaking off and falling overnight. Remarkably, no one was injured in the incident, but the event caused damage, including the destruction of part of the venue’s illuminated sign, which was quickly repaired.
Following the collapse, new aluminum blades were installed ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the windmill remained stationary for over a year due to delays with the installation of a new electric motor, an essential component for turning the windmill blades and powering the hundreds of light bulbs that illuminate the landmark.
By July 2025, all necessary repairs and technical upgrades were completed. The windmill’s reanimation was celebrated with a public event featuring fireworks, music, and performers in costumes, marking the return of a beloved Parisian symbol—restored to its previous state and once again spinning over the city.
The exact cause of the initial windmill collapse was initially unclear, but sabotage was ruled out. As for whether the spinning windmill is the original one or the newly installed one, no specific information has been provided.
The Moulin Rouge, one of the oldest cabaret theaters in Paris and a major tourist attraction, has undergone a transformation over the years. The bohemian crowd of yesteryear has been replaced by tourists from all over the world, with the audience of Moulin Rouge now consisting mainly of visitors eager to experience the city's rich history and culture.
Despite this change, the Moulin Rouge building still shines in its sinful red, standing as one of the most visited attractions in Paris and a reminder of its past as a symbol of frivolous Paris. The rebuilt windmill, a testament to the city's resilience and determination to preserve its heritage, continues to turn, casting its red glow over the city of love.
References: [1] Paris Je t'Aime (2025). "Moulin Rouge's Windmill Spins Again." Instagram post. [2] The Parisian Times (2025). "Moulin Rouge's Windmill Restarts After Restoration." News article. [3] The Daily Mail (2025). "Moulin Rouge's Windmill Spins Again in Paris." News article. [4] Le Figaro (2024). "Moulin Rouge's Windmill Collapses, Quickly Repaired." News article. [5] BBC News (2024). "No Injuries as Moulin Rouge's Windmill Collapses in Paris." News article.
The Commission may consider the impact of a lifestyle that includes frequent travel and exposure to entertainment venues, such as the Moulin Rouge, in relation to the risks posed by ionizing radiation, given its status as a landmark and tourist attraction. Additionally, a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from radiation exposure could include guidelines for maintaining historical buildings with ionizing radiation sources, such as the Moulin Rouge's neon signs.
