Find out more about the renovation
Adopt a seat
Ciné Lumière is thrilled to launch Adopt a Seat, a fundraising campaign following the imminent refurbishment of its iconic Art Deco auditorium. Starting on 13 July with a reopening on 28 August, this modernisation marks Phase 1 of the renovation plans, which consists in the installation of brand-new seats to be discovered on an exclusive Gala screening night on 8 September.
Help us preserve and maintain this historic independent venue for the years to come and ensure we can continue to host unique events such as the annual French Film Festival London and exclusive screenings. By adopting one of the upcoming new seats – starting at £500 – you can cement your place in the Ciné Lumière community and directly support the core mission of the French Institute in London.
With a £350,000 fundraising target, this campaign will directly finance Phase 2 of the cinema’s vital renovation programme. This phase will include bringing Ciné Lumière’s mezzanine up to current safety standards, increasing audience capacity with the addition of over 20 new seats, as well as the refurbishment of the projection booth, the renewal of technical projection equipment and the replacement of the screen. These improvements will ensure an enhanced experience for our audiences while preserving the cinema’s unique character for future generations.
We’ll be delighted to invite our benefactors to join us for a gala evening marking the reopening of the cinema following the first phase of its renovation works on 8 Sept 2026. This special event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient, with the exceptional presence of Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, the figurehead of this renovation project, and Ralph Fiennes (8 September 2026).
We want to put forward the names of the people who believe in what we do, and as such offer you the opportunity to permanently associate your name, *or dedicate the memory of someone*, alongside other contributors and Friends of the French Institute, including Dame Kristin Scott Thomas.
Every year, Ciné Lumière projects over 400 films spanning across 2,200 screenings, features more than 100 on-stage discussions, and welcomes more than 65,000 patrons. Your generous contribution is key to guaranteeing the future of Ciné Lumière by ensuring a memorable and unique experience for everyone.
From £500
Your name will be permanently displayed on a plaque at the entrance of the cinema, recognising your support alongside our community of contributors and Friends of the French Institute. You will also receive an invitation to the exclusive Gala evening on 8 September 2026.
From £1,000
All the benefits above, plus exclusive time with a film director following the Q&A
From £5,000
All benefits above, plus an invitation to the opening ceremony of the French Film Festival London, attended by leading figures from the world of cinema, and recognition of your support through your name displayed on screens and in selected spaces across the French Institute.
From £10,000
All benefits above, plus your name highlighted in a different colour on the donor plaque, invitations to the opening and closing ceremonies of the French Film Festival London, recognition on trailers for key French Institute events, and your name featured on the ticket for the Gala evening on 8 September 2026.
From £50,000 and above
All the benefits above, with additional recognition and bespoke opportunities tailored to your interests and philanthropic priorities. Please contact the Development team to discuss a personalised package.
- : Photography by Eugénie Barety