The newly revamped Language Centre of the French Institute in London becomes the Centre Molière after a large-scale renovation project and fundraising campaign, launched in 2021 and supported by the Friends of the French Institute Trust.
It has officially been opened on Thursday 25 June 2026 in the presence of Eléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad and French Ambassador to the UK Hélène Duchêne.
A complex of three Grade II listed buildings dated from the mid-19th century, the Centre Molière is part of the French Institute which also comprises a Cultural Centre in South Kensington, housing Ciné Lumière – a cinema with two screens, and a multi-media library. It welcomes 5,000 students every year.
The total cost of the renovation work amounted to £3,3 million, with 1,2 million from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and £2,1 million from private and corporate donors.
The work completed in the Language Centre includes the installation of a lift for people with limited mobility, the modernisation of the classrooms, the redesign of the reception area, the redecoration of the entire buildings, and the change of all doors and flooring. Students will also enjoy new, stylish and comfortable furniture by Ligne Roset and Fermob in the social spaces of the Centre Molière, and on the two outdoor terraces.
This renovation allows the French Institute to keep welcoming people in the best way possible, improve its accessibility and match the top quality of its teaching.
About The Centre Molière
The French Institute has been teaching French in London since 1910. Onsite or online, it offers general French courses as well as corporate training, business French, and courses on various aspects of French culture and current affairs. It also provides courses catered to young learners.
Under the guidance of 110 highly qualified teachers, who are all native French speakers, students learn in a friendly and stimulating environment.
The Institut français is also a leading official examination centre for a wide range of French language proficiency diplomas and certificates for all ages.
The Centre Molière in figures
£3,3 million: total cost of the renovation work
1,2 million: total amount of subsidies from the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs
£2,1 million: total amount of private and corporate donations raised
5,000 students per year
69 nationalities represented among the students
110 teachers
35,000 hours of French courses provided per year
1,756 m² of surface
30 classrooms
About the French Institute in the UK
Part of a worldwide network, the Institut français du Royaume-Uni promotes French language and culture and encourages cross-cultural collaborations. Founded in 1910, and based in London, it comprises the Centre Molière – its newly revamped Language Centre – and a Cultural Centre housing Ciné Lumière, a multi-media library and a restaurant.
The Institut welcomes over 100,000 people each year, thanks to its wide range of French courses and public events, from film screenings, debates and festivals to concerts and workshops. It has also developed a broad offer for young audiences through public and school activities and its dedicated spaces, the Bibliothèque Quentin Blake and L’Atelier.
In addition, the Institut presents and supports external cultural events, in collaboration with British partners, and fosters creation from both sides of the Channel.
About the Trust of the French Institute Trust
The Friends of the French Institute Trust supports the Institute in promoting French language, education and culture and in encouraging Franco-British cooperation.
Since its creation, the trust has supported several key investment projects such as the first renovation of Ciné Lumière I and the creation of Ciné Lumière II. It has also been a major actor in the renovation of La Médiathèque, both the Adults’ Library and the Bibliothèque Quentin Blake, as well as in the launch of a digital library, Culturethèque.
Additionally, the Trust brought its support to restore the Institute’ Steinway Grand piano and 1907 Pleyel piano and to renovate the reception rooms, called Les Salons which now accommodate concerts, talks and exhibitions. The Trust has also supported the renovation of the Foyer and the creation of L’Atelier, a dedicated space for school activities.
The Trust has also given its support to the Franco-British fund Diaphonique and to several key cultural events over the years, such as the UK-wide FranceDance festival, the performance of The Damned by la Comédie-Française at the Barbican Centre in 2019, and to the Institute’s festivals: Night of Ideas, French Film Festival London, Beyond Words Festival and the South Ken Kids Festival.
After the renovation of the Centre Molière, the Trust is now engaged in the major fundraising campaign for the modernisation and refurbishment of Ciné Lumière’s main cinema.
Press contact
Natacha Antolini: natacha.antolini@institut-francais.org.uk / 020 7871 3520
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