Founded in 1936 by Henri Langlois, the Cinémathèque française 's mission is "to collect old films, whatever their origin or format, to preserve them and show them to the public. To achieve this, the institution preserves and exhibits an impressive number of works and objects related to cinema: films, shorts, posters, photographs, drawings, set models, costumes, props, archive files, old and new equipment...
To share this cultural wealth, the Cinémathèque organizes numerous events open to the public. The building houses a large and beautiful cinema, where films from a wide variety of heritages are screened every day, and which regularly hosts previews and retrospectives. There's also a permanent museum dedicated to the work of Georges Méliès, as well as anexhibition room, whose themes enable visitors to discover the seventh art from ever more original angles.
The Cinémathèque calendar is packed withnews andevents for audiences of all ages, from film novices to specialists. Screenings, workshops, themed tours, film clubs, exhibitions, meetings, festivals... The institution never sleeps - or almost never.
Located in the heart of the Bercy district, the Cinémathèque française is accessible via metros 6 and 14 (Bercy or Cour Saint-Émilion stop). Open every day except Tuesdays, May 1, December 25 and August. Opening hours vary from one room to another: the museum, for example, stays open longer than the library.
Rates also vary according to activities and special regimes (children, under-26s, family rates, etc.). If you're a movie buff, the Cinémathèque offers attractivesubscription packages , giving you access to the institution's various services and events.
Here's what to see and do at the Cinémathèque française right now.
My name is Orson Welles: the major exhibition on the cinematic genius unveiled at the Cinémathèque
The Cinémathèque française is organizing a major exhibition to pay tribute to Orson Welles, a key actor, director and producer of 20th-century cinema. Discover "My name is Orson Welles" from October 8, 2025 to January 11, 2026. [Read more]
Tip: "Jeudi Jeunes" at the Cinémathèque, free evening events for under-26s
As part of its "Jeudi Jeunes" program, the Cinémathèque française organizes free evening events on the second Thursday of each month, reserved for young people under the age of 26. [Read more]
The Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's film museum for fans of the 7th art
Get ready to discover the Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's new film museum, as soon as it opens. Bigger and better, the Musée Méliès unveils its new itinerary and many previously unpublished archives, by Georges Méliès of course, but also by more contemporary filmmakers. It's a dream come true for young and old, curious and passionate about the 7th art. [Read more]
Which film to see today? Our screening ideas
films to be seen today in Paris and the Île-de-France region. [Read more]
Location
Cinémathèque Française
51 Rue de Bercy
75012 Paris 12
Access
Metro Bercy (lines 6 and 14)
Prices
Séance de cinéma: €7 - €20
Tarif musée: €7.5 - €10
Tarif exposition: €11 - €14
Official website
www.cinematheque.fr
Which film to see today? Our screening ideas
