The Institute of France celebrates comics: a free literary event dedicated to graphic novels in Paris

The Institut de France will host an event celebrating comics and manga on Saturday, March 14, 2026, commemorating the centenary of René Goscinny's birth. Open to everyone free of charge, this literary event brings together the five academies of the Institute and numerous authors for lectures and discussions that delve into the ninth art, exploring both its historical roots and offering a modern perspective.

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Opening the event is a panel discussion that will trace the history of comics from their first publications nearly 200 years ago to their recent recognition as an art form. This recognition is symbolized by elections to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 2020 and a dedicated exhibition at Centre Pompidou in 2024. The programme also features numerous lectures and roundtables, as well as exclusive meet-and-greets, including an interview with colorist Brigitte Findakly. Attendees can also look forward to two comic marathons, a discussion on French manga, a masterclass with Catherine Meurisse, and many signing sessions.

To honor Goscinny, his daughter and Fabcaro will be in attendance, and the Goscinny Award will be presented to two winners: an emerging writer and an established scriptwriter. While activities are free, don’t forget to reserve your spot!

Event Schedule

200 Years of Comics - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Opening remarks by Xavier Darcos, Chancellor of the Institute of France

• Comics: The Evolution of Cultural Recognition

Roundtable discussion featuring Thierry Groensteen, correspondent for the Academy of Fine Arts, Anne Lemonnier, curator of the exhibition Comic Strips 1964-2024 at the Centre Pompidou, and Pascal Ory from the French Academy.

• Comic Book Marathon

Academicians Jean Tulard and Bérengère Dubrulle take turns showcasing their favorite albums, alongside young members of the Pass Culture Book Club.

A Professional Sector Confronting Today's Challenges - 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM

• What are the main challenges facing authors today?

Roundtable discussion featuring Benoît Peeters, President of the General Assembly of Comic Art, Rutile, scriptwriter and publisher, and Daniel Goossens, author and researcher in artificial intelligence.

• What if we envisioned the future of the Angoulême Festival?

Roundtable discussion featuring David Caméo, President of the Association for the Development of Comics, Sonia Déchamps, publisher and founder of the Sojoe agency, and Stéphane Beaujean, Editorial Director at Editions Dupuis

Exploring Paths in Contemporary Art - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

• Comics as a tool for spreading knowledge?

Roundtable discussion with Franck Courchamp, CNRS research director, and Mathieu Ughetti on scientific topics; Tiphaine Rivière representing the social sciences; Laurent Muller, editorial director at Les Arènes Editions; and Jean-Robert Pitte, a member of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences.

• Comic Book Marathon

Academicians Dominique Michelet and Georges-Henri Soutou take turns showcasing their latest works, sharing the stage with young members of the culture pass Book Club.

• Inside Catherine Meurisse's studio

Masterclass with Catherine Meurisse, presented as an interview with Rebecca Manzoni.

Meetings

• 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Meet the Colorist - Featuring Brigitte Findakly
• 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM: Talk with a Collector - Featuring Michel-Édouard Leclerc, collector, and Lucas Hureau, Director of MEL Art Company, collection curator, and exhibition organizer
• 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Discussion on French Manga - Including insights from Nathanaël Bentura, author, and a representative from the Pass Culture's Department of Studies and Research
• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring the Life of a Screenwriter: The Secrets of the Magic Potion - With Aymar du Chatenet, Chairman of the Goscinny Institute

Signings

Featuring Fabcaro, Anne Goscinny, Emmanuel Guibert, Michel-Edouard Leclerc, Catherine Meurisse, Pascal Ory, Jean-Robert Pitte, Tiphaine Rivière, and more…

Tribute to René Goscinny (1926-2026) - 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

• Testimonials, screenings, quizzes… Celebrating a joyful, festive hundredth anniversary alongside Anne Goscinny, Fabcaro, Catel Muller, Emmanuel Guibert, Pascal Ory, and Marc Baratin.
• Goscinny Awards Ceremony – Presented in partnership with the Goscinny Institute and the two winning writers. A signing session will follow.