There are certain places in Paris which, at the mere mention of their name, arouse admiration and fascination. In 2023, the Olympia, the legendary concert hall on Boulevard des Capucines, celebrates its 130th anniversary. The Olympia was inaugurated on April 12, 1893, making it the oldest music hall in Paris still in operation today.
Although fairground attractions were offered in its early days, song soon made its appearance, notably through music-hall revues with Mistinguett and Yvonne Printemps between 1911 and 1914. After the First World War, when the venue was closed, the Olympia played host to a number of chanson stars of the day, including Fréhel, Marie Dubas and Lucienne Boyer.
Unfortunately, as the years went by, the popularity of the venue waned, and in 1929 it was transformed into a cinema. The venue was renamed Olympia - Théâtre Jacques Haïck until 1954. This was the year the Olympia was reborn as a music hall, thanks to the arrival of Bruno Coquatrix as director of the Parisian venue. Work was also carried out on the interior and the hall, to provide audiences with a magnificent new venue.
The new Olympia opened on February 5, 1954. A date that marked the return of chanson to the Olympia. And success followed. In the 1950s and 1960s, the greatest artists of the day took to the stage, including Georges Brassens (1954), Jacques Brel (1964, 1966...), Léo Ferré (1955, 1972), Édith Piaf ( 1955, 1961...), Juliette Gréco (1955, 1966...), Barbara (1969, 1978...)... International artists were also present, including Louis Armstrong (1962), Ella Fitzgerald (1963), Billie Holiday (1958), Sidney Bechet (1955, 1958...), and later The Beatles (1964) and The Rolling Stones (1964).
One of the musical highlights of the Olympia's 130 years is Edith Piaf. In 1961, when she was ill, she performed one of her most beautiful songs there, " Non, je ne regrette rien ", and for three months held two shows a night!
Johnny Hallyday also created euphoria when he first performed there in 1961. The artist returned on numerous occasions, in 1962, in 1964 for 57 performances, in 1965, in 1966 for a Musicorama, and again in 1967, alongside Sylvie Vartan.
Another highlight, another year: one evening in 1964, Jacques Brel performed " Amsterdam " for the first time. It was a triumph, and his stage performance remains engraved in the memories of many. Jacques Brel 's love affair with the Olympia led to his official farewell concert there in October 1966.
While the songs and concerts have left their mark on the history of theOlympia, so have the shows. For many years now, comedians have also taken to the stage, including Coluche, Guy Bedos, Florence Foresti and Dany Boon.
And there's more to come from this legendary venue. The Olympia still has many surprises in store for us in the months and years to come.
Paris 2024 Olympics: the Olympic Flame's journey through Paris' landmarks
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games promise us a beautiful journey as the Olympic Flame makes its way through the French capital. Unveiled on July 3, 2023 by Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, this route promises a unique experience for Parisians and tourists alike. We take a closer look at this emblematic route. [Read more]
Motionless In White in concert at the Olympia, Paris, February 2025
Motionless In White announce a European tour with no less than three shows in France! In Paris, the American metalcore band will be in concert at the Olympia on Saturday February 8, 2025. [Read more]
The Dandy Warhols and The Black Angels in concert at the Olympia in September 2024
Fans of psychedelic rock? This is the concert for you! On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the legendary Olympia concert hall in Paris opens its doors to two of the genre's biggest names, with a program featuring the unmissable members of The Dandy Warhols and Texan band The Black Angels! [Read more]
Saïan Supa Celebration in concert at the Olympia in Paris in November 2024
Celebrate the philosophy of the Saïan Supa Crew at a unique concert at the Olympia in Paris on Monday, November 25, 2024. For this "Saïan Supa Celebration", join Sir Samuel, Sly Johnson, Specta and Vicelow on the legendary Parisian stage! [Read more]
Clara Ysé in concert at the Olympia in Paris in March 2025
New Clara Ysé concert in Paris! The artist, nominated at the latest Victoires de la musique awards, has announced a new date at the Olympia, this time scheduled for Tuesday March 25, 2025. [Read more]
Apocalyptica to play Metallica at the Olympia in November 2024
Apocalyptica has announced a new European tour, to celebrate its famous 1996 album "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos". In Paris, we're heading for the iconic Olympia venue for a one-off concert scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024. [Read more]
Akon in concert at the Olympia in Paris in May 2024
Akon, the famous Senegalese-American artist, announces a tour of Paris this spring. Mark your calendars: catch the multi-platinum singer on stage at the legendary Olympia on Thursday, May 2, 2024 for a one-off concert. [Read more]
Angus & Julia Stone in concert at the Olympia in Paris in June 2024
After a few years' absence, the Australian brother-sister duo Angus and Julia Stone return to Paris with an exceptional concert at the legendary Olympia on Friday June 14, 2024. [Read more]
Sheryl Crow in concert at the Olympia in Paris in June 2024
Sheryl Crow announces her return to Paris with a unique and exclusive concert at the Olympia on Thursday June 27, 2024. The American artist will present live tracks from her new opus, "Evolution". [Read more]
The Black Crowes in concert at the Olympia in Paris in May 2024
Americans The Black Crowes are set to bring their Southern rock to Paris on a European tour in honor of their new opus "Happiness Bastards", the first to be released in 15 years! In Paris, head for the Olympia on Friday, May 24, 2024, to experience a wonderful reunion with this famous band from Atlanta. [Read more]
Camille in concert at the Olympia in Paris in December 2024, new date
Camille announces her return to the stage with two exclusive concerts in Paris! Mark your calendars for two evenings of concerts at the Olympia on Tuesday December 10 and Wednesday December 11, 2024. [Read more]
Viktor Vincent, the mentalist at the Olympia for the first time
Viktor Vincent, the unmissable French mentalist, is back on stage in Paris. On December 22 and 23, 2024, the talented illusionist will be performing at the legendary Olympia. His latest show, "Fantastik", promises a plunge into the fantastic and wonderful world of illusion. [Read more]
Kerchak in concert at the Olympia in Paris in May 2024
Kerchak announces an event concert in Paris next spring! Join the French rapper on stage at the legendary Olympia concert hall for a unique show on Friday, May 10, 2024. [Read more]
Jane's Addiction in concert at the Olympia in Paris in June 2024
Jane's Addiction announce their return to the stage with a new European tour, stopping off in Paris next summer! Join the famous American rock band, led by Perry Farrell, at the sublime Olympia concert hall on Wednesday June 26, 2024. [Read more]
Tokio Hotel in concert at the Olympia in Paris in March 2025
Tokio Hotel, the famous German pop-rock band with 10 million records sold, announces its return to the stage! In Paris, Tokio Hotel will meet its fans at the legendary Olympia concert hall for a one-off concert on Monday, March 10, 2025. [Read more]
Diana Krall in concert at the Olympia in Paris in July 2024
Diana Krall is back in the spotlight with two Paris concerts scheduled at the Olympia on Sunday July 7 and Monday July 8, 2024. [Read more]
Yamê in concert at the Olympia in Paris in February 2025
Yamê's first Olympia! The Franco-Cameroonian rapper has announced a one-off concert at the legendary Paris venue on Thursday, February 6, 2025! [Read more]
Yuston XIII in concert at the Olympia in Paris in October 2024
Musical phenomenon Yuston XIII premieres at the Olympia! Discover the poetic, spellbinding universe of this talented artist in concert in Paris on Friday, October 4, 2024. [Read more]
Ghinzu in concert at the Olympia in Paris in June 2024
Belgian rock band Ghinzu announce their return to the stage, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their famous opus "Blow". In Paris, they'll be heading for the beautiful Olympia venue on Thursday June 13, 2024. [Read more]
Royal Blood in concert at the Olympia in Paris in June 2024, new date
Royal Blood announce an exclusive concert in Paris in 2024. Mark your calendars! Join Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher on stage at the Olympia on Saturday June 22, 2024. The British duo will defend their latest opus, "Back To The Water Below", live. In response to demand, a second date has been added at the same Paris venue, on Sunday June 23. [Read more]
The Kills in concert at the Olympia in Paris in May 2024
European tour confirmed for The Kills! The American-British indie rock band, led by Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, has announced a series of six concerts only on the Old Continent in 2024. In Paris, they'll be heading for the legendary Olympia venue on Friday, May 3. [Read more]
Corey Taylor in concert at the Olympia in Paris in July 2024
After his explosive show at Le Trianon, Corey Taylor has announced a new concert in Paris! This time, the Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman plans to bring the Olympia to its knees on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. [Read more]
Helldebert, alias Aldebert, in concert at the Olympia in Paris in April 2025
If you've heard of Aldebert, get ready to discover his evil twin, Helldebert! The famous singer, a favorite of children and their parents, has announced a nationwide tour, with several Parisian concerts scheduled at the Olympia on Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6, 2025, to present live his latest musical project, "Enfantillages 666". [Read more]
Alban Ivanov at the Olympia with his show Vedette 2.0
Comedian Alban Ivanov returns to the Olympia with his one-man show "Vedette 2.0", from December 26, 2024 to January 4, 2025. A very funny show, but also autobiographical, in which the comedian recalls his career. [Read more]
Bruce Dickinson, lead singer of Iron Maiden, in concert at the Olympia in Paris in May 2024
Mythical lead singer of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson will be performing a unique and exceptional concert in Paris next spring. On Sunday, May 26, 2024, the legendary Olympia concert hall will be the setting for the British artist's new opus, "The Mandrake Project". [Read more]
Isaac Delusion in concert at L'Olympia in November 2024
Great news! After a 1st concert announced sold out at La Cigale in April 2024, Isaac Delusion is offering us a 2nd Parisian date at the Olympia on November 28, 2024! [Read more]
Olivia Ruiz in concert at the Olympia in Paris in November 2024
Olivia Ruiz announces her grand return to the stage in 2024. In Paris, the artist will meet her public on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in the sublime and mythical Olympia concert hall! [Read more]
Lynda Lemay presents "La Vie est un Conte de Fous" at the Olympia, Paris
Lynda Lemay presents "La Vie est un Conte de Fous" at the Olympia, Paris, on December 18, 2023 and November 18, 2024. [Read more]
Kalash in concert in three Paris venues in March 2025
Kalash announces his return to Paris in 2025 for his "Full Joy Tour". On the program? No less than three concerts in three different venues in the capital. Mark your calendars! The Martinican rapper and singer Kalash will meet his fans on Saturday March 15, 2025 at the Accor Arena, on Thursday March 20 at the Olympia and on Saturday March 22, 2025 at the Cigale. [Read more]
Mireille Mathieu in concert at the Olympia in Paris in October 2025
Mireille Mathieu announces her return to the stage to celebrate 60 years in the music business, with no less than three Parisian concerts scheduled at the legendary Olympia concert hall on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025. [Read more]
Location
L'Olympia
28 Boulevard des Capucines
75009 Paris 9
Official website
www.olympiahall.com
