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.
80 years of the Critics’ Union: six films and discussions at the Cinémathèque
From October 30 to November 1, 2026, the Cinémathèque celebrates the Critics’ Union’s 80th anniversary with six award-winning films and discussions. [Read more]
Damien Odoul: a retrospective in his presence at the Cinémathèque
From October 21 to 29, 2026, the Cinémathèque française will present a retrospective dedicated to Damien Odoul, featuring screenings, film masterclasses, and a closing premiere. [Read more]
Tai Katō at the Cinémathèque: a retrospective of Japanese cinema running through November
The Cinémathèque française is devoting a retrospective to Tai Katō from October 14 to November 26, 2026, pairing samurai cinema with thrillers and Japanese melodramas. [Read more]
Belmondo, the Magnificent: the Cinémathèque honors the icon of French cinema
Bébel shines at the Cinémathèque française: Jean-Paul Belmondo is the focus of a major retrospective running from October 7, 2026 to January 31, 2027. [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]
What movies to watch in theaters right now? Our picks
Comedy, thriller, animation, drama or horror: discover the movies now playing in theaters and our guides to help you pick your next screening. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Sunday:
from 11:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
Monday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 11:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
Location
Cinémathèque Française
51 Rue de Bercy
75012 Paris 12
Route planner
Accessibility info
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
What movies to watch in theaters right now? Our picks
