The Cinémathèque française: the temple of cinephiles in the heart of the Bercy district

For Parisians and lovers of the 7th art, the Cinémathèque française is a must-see cinema landmark in Paris: a cinema and museum dedicated to the history of cinema.

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.

Latest Updates from the Film Archive:

A special late-night program exploring the Marilyn Monroe universe for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Cinémathèque.
For the Night of Museums in Paris, the Cinémathèque is offering free activities around the museum’s collections and the exhibitions on display, sure to delight film lovers as well as families! Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026 to experience a cinema-filled late night. [Read more]

Marilyn Monroe, a centenary celebration! The Hollywood icon is in the spotlight in an exhibition at the Cinémathèque.
The Cinémathèque marks the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth with a commemorative exhibition honoring the cinema icon. The star's legacy will be showcased from April 8 to July 26, 2026. [Read more]

Great Cinémathèque deal: free admission to the Monroe retrospective, for all Marilyns
From April 8 to July 26, 2026, the Cinémathèque is hosting a Marilyn Monroe retrospective, and for all women who share the actress’s first name, admission is free! [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]