Over the years the Institut has had many locations; the current premises in South Kensington, a stylish art deco building comprising theatre, library and reception rooms, was opened in 1939. Since then, many great names have passed through its doors, among them Jean Renoir, Eugène Ionesco, Catherine Deneuve and Michel Tournier.

The Institut français exists to promote French language and culture, but also to encourage cross-cultural exchange. The programmation of talks and films reflects this dual aim, with speakers from both sides of the Channel meeting regularly in discussion, and screenings of films from all corners of the world.

The Institut welcomes thousands of people each year, attracted by the quality of its services and its imaginative programme of films and events:

Language Learning

Around 7,000 students each year enrol on courses at the Institut’s Language Centre . In addition to traditional language courses, the Centre offers courses in business French, and on different aspects of French culture and current affairs. It caters for students of all levels of proficiency in French, and its courses are designed for a variety of timetables and interests. The Centre has 75 instructors, all native French speakers and qualified teachers; specialist courses are taught by experts in their field. For more on our courses, click here .

Cultural Activities

The Institut’s Cultural Centre comprises a cinema, multi-media library, children’s library and a French bistro.

• A public cinema with 300 seats, Ciné lumière is undoubtably one of the UK’s best repertory cinemas, screening a mix of French, European and world cinema. It shows both classics and new releases, and regularly holds such special events as premières, retrospectives and themed seasons. To find out what's showing this week, click here.
  
  >> Please note that Ciné lumière is closed for renovation until January 2009
  

• A window onto contemporary France, the Médiathèque holds the largest free-access collection of French material in the UK – feature films, documentaries, music, poetry, novels, comic books, children's books and much more.
  

• Audiences at the Institut français can keep up-to-date with the latest French thinking and the latest publications in French and English translation thanks to its extensive programme of talks, seminars and book launches. Click here   for more on our current programme.
  

• The Institut's twice-monthly wine-tasting sessions provide a valuble insight into that vital part of French culture. Click here   for more on our current programme.
  
  
  
• The Institut’s very own French restaurant and fully-licensed bar, Le Bistrot offers a selection of traditional French food, from tasty French cakes, to lunch-time snacks and three-course evening meals.