Place Pigalle

Place Pigalle is named after the eighteenth-century French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. While his name now graces one of the most vibrant nightlife districts in the world, the sculptor himself was primarily known for his detailed, often dramatic marble works, including a famous nude statue of the philosopher Voltaire. The square was officially renamed to honor him in eighteen sixty-four, marking a point where the area transitioned from a quiet gatehouse location into a central hub for Parisian culture.