Bohemianism facts for kids

La Goulue onstage: poster by Toulouse-Lautrec

The word Bohemian first became popular in Paris, France. It was used to describe people who lived a free and artistic life. Many thought these people were like Gypsies, who were believed to come from a place called Bohemia.

Later, in the late 1800s, the word "Bohemian" described poor artists. These included painters, writers, musicians, and actors. They often traveled to Paris from other towns. Paris was a famous city where artists gathered. They learned from each other and enjoyed city life. Many lived in Montmartre, an area near the "Moulin Rouge" nightclub. A famous painter there was Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. He loved to paint the can-can dancers. He also made many posters to advertise nightclubs. These posters are now famous artworks.

In the 1900s, the word "Bohemian" spread to other countries. It described many different kinds of artists. People called "Bohemian" often behaved in certain ways. This included how they dressed, their political and religious views, and the fun they liked.

Bohemians were often very poor. They tried to make a living from their art. This was often very hard. They usually wore old or second-hand clothes. They often shared small rooms at the top of houses. These rooms were cheap but could be cold in winter and hot in summer. Sometimes birds even lived there! Living as a Bohemian artist could be tough. But it gave people freedom to express themselves. This freedom was often missing in more traditional society. In that society, people worried a lot about what others thought. They cared a lot about things like fancy clothes and big houses. Sometimes, students from rich families would try a "Bohemian lifestyle." They wanted to feel the same freedom to be themselves.

Over time, many cities around the world have had Bohemian areas. A problem is that these areas often become popular with rich people. This makes rents go up. Soon, poor artists and students cannot afford to live there anymore.

Bohemian Neighborhoods Around the World

This old house in New Orleans was a meeting place for Bohemian people in the 1900s.

Many cities have famous Bohemian areas. Here are some of them:

• Paris- Montmartre and Montparnasse
• Istanbul- Pera (Beyoglu)
• London- Chelsea, Camden Town, and Soho
• Munich- Schwabing
• Belgrade- Skadarlija
• Madrid- Lavapiés
• Milan- Isola and Colonne di San Lorenzo
• New York City- Greenwich Village, the East Village, and Chelsea
• Massachusetts- Provincetown
• California- Carmel-by-the-Sea
• San Francisco- the Mission District
• Chicago- Logan Square
• New Orleans- the French Quarter
• Toronto- Kensington Market
• Mexico City- Coyoacán and Condesa
• Sydney- Kings Cross and Newtown
• Tokyo - Shimokitazawa
• Vancouver- Commercial Drive

Bohemians in Art and Stories

Bohemian people and places often appear in paintings. Famous Bohemian artists from Paris include Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Vincent van Gogh, and Maurice Utrillo.

• La bohème means "the Bohemian." It is the name of a famous opera by Giacomo Puccini.
• Moulin Rouge! is a movie by Baz Lurhmann. It shows the Bohemian life in Paris.

Related Topics to Explore

• Montmartre
• Moulin Rouge
• Henri Toulouse-Lautrec
• La bohème

Images for kids

• 

  Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Bohemian (or Lise the Bohemian), 1868, oil on canvas, Berlin, Germany: Alte Nationalgalerie

• 

  Bohemian Grove during the summer Hi-Jinks, circa 1911–1916

• 

  Gelett Burgess drew this fanciful "Map of Bohemia" for The Lark, March 1, 1896 (see also Bohemianism § Notes)

• 

  An illustration from Henri Murger's 1899 book Bohemian Life.

• 

  Former brewery turned artist center in Prenzlauer Berg

See also

In Spanish: Bohemia (cultura) para niños