The Grand Rex: a cinema, a party and a living Parisian myth, with Alexandre Hellmann

From Alexandre Hellmann, passionate heir to a Parisian landmark. The third generation to run the Grand Rex, recently voted 'most beautiful cinema in the world' by Time Out, Alexandre Hellmann carries on the flame of a cinema like no other. With its listed Art Deco facade, 70 mm screenings, escape game, ciné-karaoké, international DJs, luminous fountains (and soon a rooftop terrace?)... Behind the stars and red curtains, this is a laboratory of experiments where emotion remains king. Meet a seventh-art lover who proves that it's possible to be a "son of" and still have an explosive vision.

Hello Alexandre, could you introduce yourself for our readers?

Alexandre Hellmann: "I'm 47 years old, and I'm what you'd call a 'son of' - with pride. My grandfather bought the Grand Rex in 1947, after the war. My father ran it from then on, before I took over in 2010. I had started working there three years earlier. The Grand Rex is 100% independent and family-run, which is very rare for a venue of its size."

You grew up here. What values have been passed on to you?

Alexandre Hellmann: "My father was an old-fashioned boss: discreet but imposing. He passed on to me the rigor, but also this kind of silent love for the place. We didn't always see eye to eye, but it was this clash of generations that enabled me to build my own vision, more open, more curious... more daring too... 😉"

How do you modernize a listed building without betraying its character?

Alexandre Hellmann: "It's like renovating a palace without breaking the gilding. Every summer since 2017, we've been redoing a part of it: rooms, air conditioning, halls, toilets... while keeping the original soul. We've redone the Art Deco façade, the starry ceiling, and even the premium room, where Natalie Portman recently shot a Dior commercial. These are colossal projects, but they're essential if we're to continue to amaze."

What's the magic of a preview at the Rex?

Alexandre Hellmann: "It's a mix between Hollywood and Paris. For the preview of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan insisted on a 70 mm projection, a rare and sublime format. The whole team was there, and often in Paris, Nolan talked about just one thing: my father. Because it was he who first believed in Memento. That night, I understood that memory is stronger than marketing."

What differences do you see between journalists and influencers, who are often present at previews?

Alexandre Hellmann: "Journalists bring perspective, influencers bring reach. When an influencer's video reaches 2 million views, you think the business is changing. For me, as long as people talk about the Rex with passion, that's fine. But I have a hard time with those who complain because there were no petits fours..."

Do you have a favorite secret spot?

Alexandre Hellmann: "Yes, the bowels of the Rex. Our offices are 6 meters below ground, with no windows. The corridors lead to dressing rooms refurbished for Madonna. And then there's the 7th-floor terrace: still little-known, but one day, it will be one of Paris's must-see rooftops. I promise, our next interview will take place there at sunset!"

Why come to the Rex instead of watching a movie at home?

Alexandre Hellmann: "Because we come here to experience a collective emotion. The sound, the screen, the 2,700 spectators applauding together, you can't experience that anywhere else. Even young influencers used to Netflix applaud Oppenheimer in 70 mm. The Rex is live cinema."

Tell us about the "Sauvez le Cinéma" escape game.

Alexandre Hellmann: "We wanted to dust off the backstage tour with an edutainment experience. Eight rooms, eight riddles, in less than an hour. It's physical, clever and, above all, totally cinematic. Ideal for an original outing with friends or family. A word of advice: choose the easy level if you're not used to it!

What about L'Écran Pop karaoke sessions?

Alexandre Hellmann: "At first, I was skeptical. An enthusiast introduced me to the idea, and we tried it out on an off-peak evening. And it was a hit. Since then, Mamma Mia! and other classics have sold out. It's fun, it's participatory, and it gives cinema a community dimension.

How do you renew the Féerie des Eaux?

Alexandre Hellmann: "3,000 liters of water, 20 meters of light, a tradition since 1954. Every year, we add music, lasers and a bit of magic. It's our way of opening the festivities in Paris."

What's the message behind Rex Studio?

Alexandre Hellmann: "To take visitors behind the scenes of the 7th art. Projection booths, sets, studios... we put them in the shoes of a technician or director. Cinema becomes a playground. Visitors to Paris should not miss this unique experience!

And by night, the Rex becomes a club...

Alexandre Hellmann: "Yes, thanks to the Rex Club. My father imagined it in the 80s, reusing old premises. Today, it's a world reference for electronic music, and we've just renovated it. We work on programming, filming by day and concerts by night. It's the Rex's double life!"

How do you make such a monument last?

Alexandre Hellmann: "Through diversification. Today, the main hall can host a blockbuster, a concert or a TEDx conference. We juggle cinephilia and pop culture, heritage and TikTok. That's our strength."

What do you imagine 100 years from now in 2032?

Alexandre Hellmann: "I hope to have finished all the work (laughs)! But above all, I want the Rex to be on the postcard of Paris. Like the Eiffel Tower, like the Louvre. I want people to say: 'In Paris, I want to see a film at the Grand Rex!

Any advice for the next generation?

Alexandre Hellmann: "Love this place. Passion is the only compass. When you love the Rex, it loves you back a hundredfold."

And for our readers around the world?

Alexandre Hellmann: "Come and experience the Rex! It's not just a venue, it's a journey. A mix of cinema, music, history and emotions. A must-see on any visit to Paris."