Institut français is situated in the heart of South Kensington, one of the most fashionable locations in London, a stone's throw from the V&A, Natural History Museum and South Kensington tube station. Its stylish art deco premises makes an original venue for a conference, party or annual meeting.

The Institut français, a Grade ll listed art deco building, was designed by French architect Patrice Bonnet and inaugurated in 1939. Its intricately decorated façade and monumental proportions give the building a strong presence in the architectural environment. The interior is as impressive as the exterior: a sweeping marble staircase, decorated with the famous Rodin statue L'Age d'Airain and an original tapestry by Sonia Delaunay, leads from a large ground-floor foyer area to a beautiful listed library and a stunning state-of-the-art cinema on the first floor.

With four very different spaces available, the Institut can accommodate functions with a cultural focus, from large-scale parties to small group events. It also provides a stunning backdrop for filming and photoshoots.

*Please note that private events such as birthday or wedding parties cannot be hosted at the venue.

Newly-refurbished, Ciné lumière is a unique space which lends itself to a range of opportunities for private hire. With a spacious auditorium of 241 seats and a good-sized stage for presentations, Ciné lumière is the ideal space for a private film screening, press launch, corporate meeting, conference, photo shoot or fashion show. With a new 2K HD Digital Cinema Projector, and a team experienced in handling high profile events, it is the perfect cinema for gala screenings. Adjoining spaces 'Les Salons', 'La Médiathèque' and 'Le Foyer' available for hire mean that it is easy to combine your event with a party, drinks reception or dinner. Hire Charges* Monday - Friday  Saturday  Sunday  From 6.30pm to 8.30pm £1200  -  -  From 8.30pm £1700  - £1700  4 hour period (daytime) £1000  -  -  Full Day (10am to 6pm) £2500  -  -

• Capacity | 241 seats plus 2 wheelchair positions • Stage Size | Dimensions TBC • Stage Lighting | Permanent installation (20 channels). Additional channels available • Auditorium Lighting Tungsten downlights, dimmable • Ventilation | Air conditioned • Access Stairs and public lift, disabled access • Furniture | Tables, chairs and lectern Steinwey grand piano

• Film Projector | 35mm Kinoton Projector • Digital Projector | Christie 2000 2K, Inputs for DVD, Beta SP and laptops • Aspect Ratios | 1.33 (Academy), 1.66 and 1.85 (widescreen), 2.35 (cinemascope) • Screen | Perforated front projection screen with variable side, top and bottom masking, Maximum size: 8.0 x 3.5 meters • Sound | Dolby SRD, supports all popular formats including SRD, SR, Dolby A, Mono. System consists of Audio Management power amplifiers. Mixing Desk, microphone lines from stage and auditorium

the newly-refurbished Cinema

Ideal for talks, seminars and conferences, the Petite Salle holds 70 people.  Hire Charges* Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday   4-hour period £300   £400  £500

A spacious period reception room with great flexibility, Les Salons is suitable for lectures, talks and presentations. Dinners, parties and any small group event with a cultural focus are also possible. The room can accommodate up to 80 people (or 60 people seated), and may be divided into two if required. Grand piano available. * Please note that private events such as birthday or wedding parties cannot be hosted at the venue.  Hire Charges* Monday – Friday   Saturday or Sunday  2-hour period £300 £400  4-hour period £500 £600  Full day (10am – 6pm)  £800     £1000

An attractive wood panelled room with balcony, intricate parquet floor and plenty of natural light, La Médiathèque's distinctive art deco reading room would make an elegant and impressive setting for a lecture, reception or fork buffet. La Médiathèque can accommodate 80 people; due to library opening hours, the room is available after 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, Mondays and Sundays all day. Hire Charges* Monday Tue - Fri Saturday  Sunday 2-hour period(1)  £500  -  -  £500 4-hour period(1)  £800  -  -  £800 Tue to Fri from 7.30pm  -   £1200  -  - Mon-Sat-Sun from 6.30pm  £1200  -   £1500   £1200 Full day (until 6.30pm)  £1500  -  -  £1500 (1) Until 6.30pm

With its sweeping marble staircase and large capacity, Le Foyer makes for a flexible and dramatic party space, easily accommodating over 300 guests. Availability according to cinema screening times. > Special rates available with the hire of the cinema. For Hire Charges, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

* The hire charges set out above are effective from 01.12.2009. Accommodation hire fees are exempt from VAT. The hire charge includes the equipment mentioned in the description; furniture hire is available upon request. Staff costs are included (except security, cloakroom, attendant, receptionist which are extra).

Practical Info

Where to find us
Institut français, 17 Queensberry Place London SW7 [ Location map ]
Tube: South Kensington (Zone 1: Circle, District & Piccadilly Lines)
Bus: 414, 14, 74, 430, 49, C1, 70, 360, 345
Parking: The Institut français has no carpark of its own; the closest carpark is Union Carpark at 31 Harrington Road

Catering

Our accredited caterers are Couture, an independent caterer specialised in the delivery of fresh, well-presented food and excellent customer service within the arts and leisure sectors.
Contact them on 020 7589 9996.

Who to contact