Paris's iconic La Pagode cinema to reopen in 2025 after decade-long closure
La Pagode, a historic cinema in Paris, is set to reopen in 2025 after being shuttered since 2015. Situated on rue de Babylone in the 7th arrondissement, the cinema underwent a contentious renovation led by Charles S. Cohen, who acquired the property in 2017. The restoration was managed by architects Françoise Raynaud and Pierre-Antoine Gatier. Originally constructed in 1896 by Alexandre Marcel for François-Émile Morin, it transitioned to a cinema in 1931, showcasing works by directors like Luis Buñuel and Jean Renoir. In the 1960s, it was a hub for the Nouvelle Vague and hosted a notable event on homosexual cinema in 1978. The renovation sparked backlash due to the removal of trees and walls. The revamped cinema will include four screens, a glass entrance, and seating for 400.
Key facts
- La Pagode cinema in Paris will reopen in 2025 after being closed since 2015.
- The building was constructed in 1896 by architect Alexandre Marcel for François-Émile Morin, director of Le Bon Marché.
- It was inspired by the Nikkō Tōshō-gū shrine in Japan.
- The cinema reopened in 1931 and became a venue for avant-garde films by Luis Buñuel, Jean Renoir, and Jean Cocteau.
- In the 1960s it screened Nouvelle Vague films by François Truffaut.
- Director Louis Malle managed the cinema in 1972 and added a tea room.
- In 1978 it hosted an event on homosexual cinema organized by the Groupe de libération homosexuelle, which attracted a far-right attack.
- Charles S. Cohen purchased the building in 2017 and commissioned architects Françoise Raynaud and Pierre-Antoine Gatier for the renovation.
- The renovation involved cutting down trees in the Japanese garden and demolishing a classified wall, sparking controversy.
- The new cinema will have four screens, 400 seats, and a glass entrance connecting to a new Japanese garden designed by Ursula Wieser.
Entities
Artists
- Alexandre Marcel
- François-Émile Morin
- Luis Buñuel
- Jean Renoir
- Jean Cocteau
- François Truffaut
- Louis Malle
- Luce Eekman
- François Debulois
- Wong Kar-wai
- Charles S. Cohen
- Françoise Raynaud
- Pierre-Antoine Gatier
- Ursula Wieser
- Gaia Rotili
Institutions
- Le Bon Marché
- Groupe de libération homosexuelle
- Gaumont
- Loci Anima
- Artribune
Locations
- Paris
- rue de Babylone
- 7th arrondissement
- Japan
- Nikkō Tōshō-gū