Find out more about the renovation
Adopt a seat
Ciné Lumière is thrilled to launch Adopt a Seat, a fundraising campaign to support the renovation of its iconic Art Deco cinema. The first phase of works began on 13 July, with the cinema reopening on 28 August. This initial phase will see the installation of brand-new seats, which will be unveiled at an exclusive Gala Screening 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 £600 – you can cement your place in the Ciné Lumière community and directly support the core mission of the French Institute in London.
With a £150,000 fundraising target, this campaign will directly finance the second phase of the cinema’s vital renovation programme.
This phase will include bringing the mezzanine into line with current safety standards; increasing the auditorium’s capacity through the addition of more than 20 seats; refurbishing the projection booth; upgrading the projection equipment; and replacing the screen. These improvements will ensure an enhanced experience for our audiences while preserving the cinema’s unique character for future generations.
We will be delighted to invite all the benefactors of this campaign to a special Gala Screening on 8 September 2026, celebrating the reopening of the cinema following the first phase of the renovation works. 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.
To mark the launch of this renovation, the Paris-based jewellery brand Les Néréides is partnering with us to offer a special gift*.
The first 5 people to adopt a seat will receive a piece of fine jewellery designed by the brand. Their full collection can be discovered here.
Adopt a seat today and claim your exclusive gift.
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 to dedicate your gift in memory of someone special – alongside other contributors and Friends of the French Institute, including Dame Kristin Scott Thomas.
Every year, Ciné Lumière projects over 400 films spanning across some 2,200 screenings, features more than 100 on-stage discussions, and welcomes more than 65,000 guests. Your generous contribution is key to guaranteeing the future of Ciné Lumière by ensuring a memorable and unique experience for everyone.
From £600
- Have your name displayed on a personalised plaque on the seat of your choice in our Art Deco Ciné Lumière
- Receive an invitation to the exclusive Gala Screening on 8 September 2026
From £1,000
- All the benefits above
- Enjoy an exclusive opportunity to meet a film director following a Q&A
From £5,000
- All benefits above
- Receive an invitation to the opening ceremony of the French Film Festival London, attended by leading figures from the world of cinema
- Receive acknowledgement of your support on screens during the French Film Festival London
From £10,000
- All the benefits above
- Recognition on the major donors’ plaque
- Receive invitations to the opening and closing ceremonies of the French Film Festival London
- Have your name featured on tickets for the Gala Screening on 8 September 2026 and trailers for key French Institute events
From £50,000 and above
- All the benefits above
- Additional recognition and bespoke opportunities tailored to your interests and philanthropic priorities. Please get in touch with the Development team to discuss a personalised package
*By accepting the gift from Les Néréides, the recipients accept the T&Cs related to this partnership. More information here.
- : Photography by Eugénie Barety