A legendary address where all the elite partied in the 1980s, the iconic Palace is set to reopen at the end of 2026, thanks to a new owner determined to revive this nocturnal institution.
It is one of the most legendary venues in Parisian nightlife. Opened, according to some sources, in 1912 as a “public limited company for music hall and cinema,” number 8 Rue du Faubourg-Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement only adopted its famous name, the Palace, in 1946. Originally just a cinema, it became a theater again between 1975 and 1978 under Pierre Laville. Bought by Fabrice Emaer, the Palace underwent a transformation. The original 1930s décor was restored during an expensive major renovation. A gamble on the future that paid off for its new owner, who inaugurated this iconic performance venue in 1978 with Grace Jones.
Karl Lagerfeld, Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger… the biggest names at the Palace
The Palace quickly established itself as an essential party spot. The club was frequented by the highest circles of fashion, music, and culture, who would dine in the basement and have a drink before celebrating all night. Mick Jagger, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Inès de la Fressange, Thierry Mugler, Andy Warhol… Prince and Serge Gainsbourg even performed there, reinforcing the international reputation of this very exclusive nightclub.
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In 1982, the Palace, deteriorated and facing very high operating costs, closed its doors. The following year, Fabrice Emaer passed away, leaving behind a gem eager to be revived. His former associates tried to continue the concept but were heavily burdened by debt. In 1992, Régine, the “Parisian queen of the night,” attempted to restore its former glory, as did the couple David and Cathy Guetta two years later, after a renovation and a new name: Kitkat. In vain.
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The club closed again in 1996. This was followed by several years of neglect and squatting. The address had completely lost its former splendor and was overshadowed by other increasingly trendy venues. It took a decade for buyers to consider its future: Chantal and Francis Lemaire, co-owners of Radio Contact and Bel RTL in Belgium, and the Vardar brothers, owners of the Grande Comédie and Comédie République. A new renovation, a new identity. In 2008, Valérie Lemercier performed on a 970-seat stage. Fifteen years later, the Palace faced yet another closure, before once again attracting the interest of an entrepreneur/producer.
A reopening at the end of 2026
The new owner, Mickael Chetrit, head of the Palais des Glaces, has announced the reopening date of the venue, set for October 2026. The Palace is thus entering a new phase of renovation led by designer and interior architect Jacques Garcia. A renowned name in design, particularly in luxury hospitality, who experienced the club’s wild nights firsthand. “I spent my life here, with one party after another alongside amazing people. We were crazy, limitless but with a certain elegance,” he told AFP.
The renovations are expected to last a year, enhancing the balcony and basement areas, which have suffered from years of neglect. The restored venue should then welcome 1,400 spectators.
Mickael Chetrit intends to “recreate the DNA of the Palace from the time it hosted concerts.” “The Palace is a symbol. We want to restore its status as an iconic stage where partying, art, and fashion meet.” The goal is to recapture the exuberance of this century-old building by infusing the legendary atmosphere of its glory years, blending glamour and artistic effervescence. Parties and concerts are expected to mix, although the programming and concert details remain secret for now.
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Featured photo: © Privateaser
