The Bataclan originated as a large café-concert in the Chinoiserie style, inspired by Chinese architecture, with the cafe and theatre on the ground-floor, and a large dance hall at first floor level. It put on the vaudevilles of Scribe, Bayard, Mélesville, and Dumersan, as well as giving concerts.
The Bataclan is known today for a very eclectic programme of events, including rock and pop concerts, "spectacles", stand-up comedy, discos and café-théâtre. Its façade was repainted in its long-lost original colours in 2006, though its original pagoda roof no longer exists.