La Cinémathèque française

News - The Cinémathèque is closed for the summer (from July 22)! We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday August 28**.

In the heart of Bercy Park, across the Seine from the Bibliothèque Nationale de France François-Mitterrand, the Cinémathèque Française chronicles the history of film, from its earliest beginnings up to recent releases. Highlights include French and Soviet avant-garde films, the first talkies, and movements like German Expressionism, or French New Wave. The postmodern façade of the building flaunts round, undulating shapes that architect Frank Gehry described as the “dancer lifting her tutu.”

The exceptional Méliès collection

The Musée Méliès within the Cinémathèque presents over 800m² more than 300 machines, costumes, posters, drawings and models, exceptional pieces completed by a selection of nearly 150 photographs, magic lanterns that interact with a virtual reality experience that has never been seen before, and above all, Méliès's films - his most famous, of course, including the iconic Travel to the Moon, as well as many others that are rarer. Throughout the tour, you will discover all the poetry of the director, a true pioneer of cinematographic enchantment and precursor of modern cinema. A trip through the history of cinema that will take you to the beginning of special effects, pyrotechnics, optical effects, camera stops, fade-ins and fade-outs, animated models, overprints, editing effects and color effects on film, sound effects, narration… Méliès is back in his rightful place, that of a genius and slightly crazy poet.

On the outside, observe the curved volumes that are heckled on the height and animate the facade. You will easily guess the "dancer raising her tutu", maliciously drawn by the architect Frank Gehry.

Before leaving, treat yourself to a movie and a gourmet break

The great retrospectives of filmmakers are honored in the context of temporary exhibitions.
The Cinémathèque also organizes several screenings each week: classics, short films, avant-garde films, there is something for everyone.

The restaurant Les 400 Coups offers a choice of salads, soups, pies, daily specials and homemade pastries throughout the day. And between two sessions, at aperitif time, why not come with friends to enjoy a platter of cold cuts and cheeses? Families will appreciate the Sunday brunch.

Explore museums and monuments in Paris Region.