Gare Saint-Lazare
13 Rue d Amsterdam, Paris, Île-de-France, 75008
Housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building, La Cinémathèque has one of the largest collections of films and movie memorabilia in the world. Trace the history of film, from its infancy to the modern age, via impressive exhibitions of costumes, props, posters, and cult objects—then catch a screening of a classic flick in the roomy theater.
The Basics
Die-hard movie buffs will love the costumes and props, such as Mrs. Bates’s head from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, the robot from Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, and a camera that belonged to the Lumiére brothers. Film clips accompany many of the objects on display, enhancing the educational experience, and an on-site theater screens several films daily from its huge archive.
Explore La Cinémathèque (along with dozens more of the city’s top attractions) with a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass, which is the unlimited version. Both passes come in 2-6-day versions and include unlimited public transportation on select services and free sightseeing tours such as hop-on hop-off buses and a cruise along the Seine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Cinémathèque is an ideal spot to see classic and cult films rarely screened.
- Entrance to the museum includes a free audio guide available in five languages.
- Admission prices to screenings vary.
- Entry is free with a Paris Museum Pass or a Paris Pass.
How to Get There
La Cinémathèque is located along Rue de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement of Paris at the entrance to the Parc de Bercy. Take Métro line 7 to Dugommier, across the street, or lines 6 and 14 to Bercy, a couple of blocks away. Gare de Bercy, a hub for TER and intercity trains, is next door.
When to Get There
La Cinémathèque is open every day except Tuesday, and features several screenings starting about midday into the night. Beat the crowds by visiting during a weekday. Cinephiles may want to visit Paris in April for the European Independent Film Festival, or in June for the Champs-Elysées Film Festival, which showcases independent French and American films.
Jeu de Paume
Lovers of cinema and photography should also visit the Jeu de Paume museum, the city’s premiere center for all manner of mechanical and electronic imagery (photography, cinema, video, online media, etc.) from the 20th and 21st centuries. The prestigious museum inside the Tuileries Gardens hosts an ever-changing roster of exhibitions and screenings, video installations, symposiums, and seminars. Enjoy the museum, then take a stroll in the historic gardens.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!