The Cinémathèque française, founded in 1936 by Henri Langlois, Georges Franju, Jean Mitry, and Paul-Auguste Harlé, is one of the most prestigious film institutions in the world. Located at 51 rue de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, it has been housed since 2005 in an iconic building designed by architect Frank Gehry.
Its primary mission is to collect, preserve, restore, and promote the global cinematic heritage. With a collection of over 40,000 films, along with thousands of posters, photographs, cameras, costumes, and documents related to cinema, it is an invaluable resource for film lovers and researchers alike.
The Cinémathèque offers a rich program that includes daily film screenings, temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational workshops. Among its notable spaces, the Méliès Museum provides an immersive journey into the world of cinema pioneer Georges Méliès, highlighting the history of special effects and cinematic magic.
In 2023, the institution welcomed more than 333,000 visitors, reflecting its central role in promoting film culture in France and internationally. Under the presidency of filmmaker Costa-Gavras and the general direction of Frédéric Bonnaud, the Cinémathèque française continues to champion the preservation and celebration of cinema as an art form.