The French Institute in London has launched the renovation of its main cinema, Ciné Lumière, under the patronage of Kristin Scott Thomas, on 13 July 2026.
“It is with immense elation that I have been bestowed the honour of figurehead for the refurbishment of the Ciné Lumière. I adore seeing films at Ciné Lumière, and I look forward to watching this place continue to thrive.”
This major campaign aims at improving the cinema-going experience for the public in terms of comfort, image and sound quality as well as delivering cultural events to the highest standards.
Supported by an on-going fundraising campaign run by the Friends of the French Institute Trust, the work will unfold in 3 successive stages over the summers 2026, 2027 and 2028. Anyone can show their support and be part of the Adopt a Seat campaign which will launch mid-August.
Ciné Lumière will reopen on 28 August 2026, after its first phase of work, with an exciting programme of special screenings, including:
- The two parts of the new epic De Gaulle, with talents in attendance to be announced: De Gaulle: Résistance from 28 August, and De Gaulle: Liberté from 25 September. These screenings at Ciné Lumière have a particular significance considering the history of the French Institute in London which was inaugurated in 1939 and welcomed the General de Gaulle and the Free French Forces during the Second World War.
- A gala screening of The English Patient, on 8 September, preceded by an extended on-stage introduction by Kristin Scott Thomas and Ralph Fiennes, celebrating the 30th release anniversary of Anthony Minghella’s masterpiece.
- A special screening of Lumière! The Adventure Continues on 28 September, will also mark the reopening of the Ciné Lumière, which was named after the famous inventors of cinema, the Lumière Brothers. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Thierry Frémaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, the Institut Lumière, and the Lumière Film Festival. Thanks to the restoration of over 100 previously unseen ‘views’ by the Lumière Brothers, Thierry Frémaux’s film offers us a spectacle of the world at the turn of the century.
Press contact
Natacha Antolini: natacha.antolini@institut-francais.org.uk / 020 7871 3520