Museum of Cinema (Cinémathèque Française)
The Cinematheque Francaise houses one of the biggest film archives, film-related records and other items from all around the globe
Cinematic experiences have captivated people for more than a century and continue to be just as, if not more, popular today as they were when cinema was first introduced with the screening of silent films. The Cinematheque Francaise is a Museum of Cinema situated in Paris. A visit to this city of love and lights would be incomplete without a stop at the Cinematheque Francaise in the 12th arrondissement.
The Cinematheque Francaise houses one of the biggest film archives, film-related records and other items from all around the globe. The Cinematheque Francaise was established before World War II and the entire film collection was almost lost when the German soldiers occupied France. Stealthy efforts had to be made in order to sneak the collection, bit by bit, into the unoccupied area of France where it would be safe from the German soldiers who were seeking out and destroying any movie or item of cinematics made prior to 1937.
After World War II, the Cinematheque Francaise was subsidized by the government and this funding allowed them to acquire some employees and a small premises from which to begin screenings of the collection. Daily screenings of movies from all over the world can still be seen at the Cinematheque Francaise. 1992 saw the amalgamation of the Cinematheque Francaise and the Bibliotheque du Film. This resulted in the one of the most comprehensive and extensive of all film libraries in existence today. The Cinematheque Francaise has also recently started preserving and repairing all the films in its archives to ensure the continued appreciation and recollection of cinematic history and classics.
There are quite a few amenities available at the Cinematheque Francaise and visitors can rest assured that a full and fun cultural day out awaits them. The film library, space scientists and image library, bookstore, restaurant, regularly updated exhibitions and screening room will keep even the most discerning of travellers happy and entertained.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. Visit the official website for details.Museum of Cinema (Cinémathèque Française) Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Address: 51 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
Phone: 01 71 19 33 33
Official Website: Museum of Cinema (Cinémathèque Française)
Museum of Cinema (Cinémathèque Française) Reviews
Rated out of 5
A must-do for cinephiles! The museum is just lovely, lots of interactive exhibits, lots of really interesting archival pieces. The intro to each gallery is in English, but I recommend downloading Google translate if you need help with the smaller plaques near the specific exhibits as you can have it translate through your camera. Some people here saying the blew through it in 15 minutes. We spent probably and hour and ten looking at everything properly, watching quite a few of the short movies they have playing, and experiencing the VR presentation.
TH_UK - 2 months ago
I expected much more from Musée Méliès, especially because you need to pay for the admission. The space is so small, you can see the museum in 15 minutes. To be honest, it should be free. I thought there would be many props used in movies, but there were so little and irrelevant for proper film buffs. The scope of the exhibition is very limited, just focused on the origins of cinema and origins of visual effects, which you could find out watching a YouTube video/doc. Having said that, at least Paris has got a film museum, something that a big city like London doesn’t have.
Miguel Á. - 3 months ago
My friend and I went to the Wes Anderson exhibition. She said it was her favorite museum exhibition she has ever seen. I loved it as well. There were people of all ages. Wonderful experience that far exceeded my expectations.
John Daley - 2 months ago
Great Wes Anderson exhibit and permanent also
Dayna Roberson - a month ago
Recently visity James Cameron retrospective. What a great exhibition! There weren't many people which added to the nice experience.
The exhibition itself is very complete, showcasing JC early drawings and comics.
For each movie, they also showcased all the creative process and related material.
The exhibition is also a bit interactive, which is an added fun to have.
I can't recommend this exhibition enough
Sonia T. - 8 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M6 or M14 | Bercy | 6 minutes |
How to get to Museum of Cinema (Cinémathèque Française) by Metro / RER
By Metro: Take Metro Line 6 or 14 to Bercy Station. Exit and walk southwest to Rue de Bercy and follow it to your left (southeast). Cinémathèque Française is on the left just past the entrance to Parc de Bercy.
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Photo Gallery
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Park and entrance to the Cinémathèque Française cc licensed photo by Nico Paix -
Photo Credit: corno.fulgur75 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: corno.fulgur75 - cc license via Flickr
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