Chinese pavilion
The Bal Mabille was opened in 1831 by Monsieur Mabille, a dance instructor, and was originally only for his pupils. It was later opened to the public, and in 1844 his sons decided to refurbish it as a sort of enchanted garden, with sand paths, lawns, trees and shrubs, galleries and a grotto. It was equipped with 3,000 gas lamps, very modern for the time, and was thus able to stay open after dark. Coloured-glass globes illuminated the areas under trees, and strings of lights and chandeliers were suspended between them. There was an area with a roof for protection from rain, and the grounds contained a Chinese pavilion, artificial palm trees, and a merry-go-round. Charles Monselet described it as "gilded from top to bottom: trees, benches, vases, flowers ... nature glistening in gold, silver and precious stones".