Paris Music kiosks, embracing the charm of the Belle Epoque
In 2015, the City of Paris allocated a total budget of €3.7 million for the restoration work of its 33 iconic music kiosks.
You will discover these splendid Belle Epoque structures in the heart of the city’s lush parks and public gardens. Inspired by elegant Chinese pavilions, these music kiosks were introduced to France from England by the aristocracy in the second half of the 19th century.
Unfortunately, over the decades, these architectural gems, built between 1890 and 1920, gradually fell into disuse due to a lack of interest.
But, beyond their aesthetic appeal, these music kiosks contributed to the democratisation of music. Indeed, on Sundays they hosted orchestras, who played to the delight of the public, often families who came to spend the day in the city’s green spaces.
Thus, seeing these once vibrant music kiosks empty and dilapidated was truly heartbreaking. However, their complete restoration and electrification had to be carried out in accordance with current safety standards.
Now managed by the city’s cultural associations, our beloved music kiosks once again serve as places for social interaction and artistic expression.
During the summer, they once again host concerts and also serve as rehearsal spaces for a variety of artists, including painters, mimes, and puppeteers.
The music kiosks of Paris have indeed been back in operation since 2016!
Where to find these wonderful music kiosks in Paris?
You’ll find these charming music kiosks in every district of Paris, with the exception of the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 13th.
Here is the list of districts and public parks and gardens where you’ll find them:
3rd – Square du Temple
4th – Square Jean XXIII
7th – Champ de Mars
8th – Jardins des Champs-Elysées
9th – Square d’Anvers
10th – Jardin Villemin
11th – Square Jules Ferry – Square Maurice Gardette
12th – Place de la Nation – Square Jean Morin – Square Armand Trousseau – Square Courteline
14th – Parc Montsouris
15th – Square Georges Brassens
16th – Jardin du Ranelagh
17th – Promenade Pereire Laugier Bayen – Promenade Periere Ternes/Maillot – Promenade Pereire Ilot Juin/Rennequin – Square des Epinettes – Square Ernest Gouin
18th – Square Carpeaux – Square Kriegel-Valrimont – Square Paul Robin
19th – Parc des Buttes Chaumont – Square Monseigneur Maillet – Square Place de Bitche
20th – Square de la Salamandre – Square Edouard Vaillant – Square Sarah Bernhardt – Square Séverine – Parc de Belleville
Photo via Wikimedia Creative Commons: Jardin des Champs-Elysées by Moonik CC BY-SA 3.0
