A landmark of French cinema is about to write a new chapter... The Cité du Cinéma in Saint-Denis (93), once established by Luc Besson, is set for a major transformation. Having hosted the Olympic Village during the Paris 2024 Games and served as a filming location for productions like Emily in Paris and Le Bureau des Légendes, the site will reopen in 2026 featuring a new exhibition space dedicated to cinema, the art of filmmaking, and permanent exhibitions, overseen by Seine et Watts. Meanwhile, the school and the Studios de Paris remain open and operational.
During the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Cité du Cinéma was especially highlighted since it served as the daily dining hall for all athletes. This massive pop-up restaurant is conveniently located next to the Olympic Village (on the Saint-Denis side). "With this new project, we aim to restore this heritage [la] to the local residents," explains Matthieu Hanotin, mayor of the new municipality of Saint-Denis. A fresh programming lineup has been carefully developed for the site, "which has always embodied the spirit of dreams," shares Didier Gouband, president of Seine et Watts (a partner company involved in the project).
First and foremost, the Cité du Cinéma will offer screenings in a refurbished movie theater with no fewer than 450 seats and, above all, will give pride of place to young local filmmakers in its film programming. There will also be exhibitions on cinema and pop culture, and students from the Louis Lumière school will be able to return to study at the Cité (as was previously the case). The highlight of the venue is undoubtedly the large food court-style restaurant, which will also open its doors in 2026, making it a place to live as well as a cultural venue.
The Cité du Cinéma won't be just about film screenings: it will also feature a much broader cultural program, blending cinema, live arts, and music. Expect stand-up performances, dance, innovative hybrid shows, concerts, and DJ sets to energize the venue, complemented by events focused on media, radio, and storytelling.
Designed as a hub of everyday life, the Cité du Cinéma aims to serve not only local residents but also families, school groups, and passing visitors. Special emphasis is placed on accessibility, diverse storytelling, and inclusivity. "The Cité du Cinéma aspires to be a true community space, where people come not just to spend time but also to enjoy a show, watch a film premiere, have a meal at the food court, or join a workshop," summarizes Didier Gouband, president of Seine et Watts.
In total, more than 6,000 people can be present at the same time in the Cité's large nave, making this venue a real meeting place for everyone in the neighborhood as soon as it opens.
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