Salle Wagram

The Salle Wagram began its life in 1812 as a humble guinguette, or open-air café, founded by a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars named Jean-Antoine Dourlans. Because it sat just outside the city walls of Paris, the venue benefited from lower taxes on wine, which made it an exceptionally popular spot for locals seeking an affordable place to dance. This initial site was known as the Bal Dourlans, laying the groundwork for a long-standing tradition of social gathering that eventually evolved into the prestigious auditorium you see today.