In September 2004, French police made an astonishing discovery in a forbidden section of the Paris catacombs: an elaborate underground movie theatre, complete with a well-stocked bar, kitchen, and screening area, operated by a mysterious group known as La Mexicaine De Perforation.
The Astonishing Discovery of 2004
Deep beneath the streets of Paris, in the labyrinthine network of the catacombs, French police stumbled upon a hidden world in September 2004. This was no ordinary find but an incredibly sophisticated, clandestine setup. The discovery included:
- A large makeshift cinema screen for viewing films.
- Rows of benches for an audience.
- A fully equipped kitchen capable of preparing meals.
- A well-stocked bar offering drinks to patrons.
- Professional electrical installations providing power.
- Working telephones for communication.
This entire operation was discreetly supplied with electricity and telephone lines from an unknown location, highlighting the advanced planning and execution involved in its creation.
A Secret Cinema Beneath Paris
The underground cinema was a marvel of subterranean engineering and secrecy. The police initially discovered a tripod with a camera and a canvas displaying a swastika while on a training exercise. Following cables deeper into the catacombs, they uncovered the fully functional theatre. The sheer scale and detail of the setup suggested it had been operational for some time, providing a unique, illicit entertainment venue far from the city's surface.
For further reading on this unusual discovery, you can refer to reports from reputable news sources like the BBC News on the Paris catacombs cinema.
The Mysterious Group: La Mexicaine De Perforation
The group responsible for this audacious project was identified as La Mexicaine De Perforation. This collective is known for its interest in urban exploration, often venturing into forbidden or forgotten parts of Paris, and for creating artistic installations in unusual spaces. While their intentions behind the cinema remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, it appears to have been an ambitious art project or a private club for those initiated into the world of cataphiles (urban explorers specializing in the catacombs).
Upon their return to investigate further a few days later, police found the equipment dismantled, a note left behind stating "Do not try to find us," and a booby trap of rocks designed to collapse if disturbed, suggesting the group was aware of the police's presence and quickly packed up their operation.
Key Aspects of the Discovery
To summarize the critical details of the 2004 catacombs discovery:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Discovery Date | September 2004 |
| Discoverer | French Police |
| Location | Forbidden section of the Paris Catacombs |
| Main Find | Elaborate underground movie theatre |
| Operator | La Mexicaine De Perforation (a clandestine urban exploration/art collective) |
| Amenities | Movie screen, benches, well-stocked bar, kitchen |
| Utilities | Fully installed electricity and telephone lines from an unknown source |
This incident remains one of the most intriguing examples of urban exploration and illicit activities within the sprawling underground world of Paris.
[[Catacombs Discovery 2004]]
