Its return is not simply the reopening of another theatre \u2014 it represents the resilience and renewal of independent cinema in a district that, for decades, was the beating heart of France\u2019s seventh art, yet had witnessed the disappearance of many of its classic theatres.<\/p>\n
\u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln<\/em> first opened in 1969, founded by Boris Gourevitch<\/em> and Jean-Paul Thirriot<\/em>, at a time when the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es was a true cinematic boulevard, home to numerous theatres dedicated to auteur cinema, avant-garde films, and art et essai<\/em>.<\/p>\n Over more than five decades, this cinema has accompanied generations of Parisians and visitors alike \u2014 screening everything from timeless classics to the most daring titles in international cinema. Its programming has never followed mainstream spectacle, instead championing eclectic, high-quality selections that have earned it a distinct prestige within Parisian film culture.<\/p>\n Over time, market pressures, rising rents and changing cultural habits led to the closure of many cinemas in the area. Yet \u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln<\/em> endured, adapting to the times and keeping the flame of auteur cinema alive \u2014 right next to the city\u2019s most famous avenue.<\/p>\n After nine months of work, \u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln<\/em> reopened on 1st October this year, transformed into a modern venue that retains its traditional charm.<\/p>\n The renovation, driven by the Merle<\/em> family \u2014 now in their fourth generation managing Multicin\u00e9 (the group behind other iconic venues like Les 7 Parnassiens and Les 5 Caumartin) \u2014 has redefined the cinematic experience for today’s audiences.<\/p>\n The new design combines classic elements \u2014 geometric-patterned carpets, wood panelling, retro-style lighting \u2014 with cutting-edge acoustic and projection technology.<\/p>\n Its aesthetic draws inspiration from the 1960s and 70s, evoking the golden era of classic Parisian cinema, but is now enhanced with immersive surround sound systems and state-of-the-art 4K projection.<\/p>\n The result is a perfectly balanced atmosphere: warm, nostalgic and sensorially rich, offering audiences a complete cinematic experience.<\/p>\n \u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln<\/em> now features three distinctive and fully renovated screens:<\/p>\n Audito<\/strong>: maintaining its original capacity, this space is designed for deep immersion in classic and auteur cinema.<\/p>\n Studio<\/strong>: a more intimate screening room with spacious seating and a cosy atmosphere.<\/p>\n Club<\/strong>: a flexible space ideal for private events, seminars and special screenings, featuring extra-wide seats or standing room for up to 200 people.<\/p>\n This versatility positions Lincoln not only as a place to watch films, but as a cultural venue capable of hosting music, professional gatherings and film festivals.<\/p>\n The reopening launched with a programme that reaffirms the venue\u2019s artistic and intellectual spirit.<\/p>\n The first film screened was “A Simple Accident”<\/em> by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi<\/em>, winner of the Palme d\u2019Or<\/em> at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival<\/em> \u2014 underlining Lincoln<\/em>\u2019s dedication to international cinematic excellence.<\/p>\n Alongside weekly screenings, the cinema maintains its tradition of cin\u00e9ma d\u2019art et d\u2019essai<\/em>, offering a mix of new auteur releases, classics, documentaries and themed retrospectives \u2014 appealing to cinephiles and new generations alike.<\/p>\n Thanks to its strategic location, Lincoln<\/em> also plays an active role in events such as the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es Film Festival<\/em>, which each year celebrates international cinema in Paris with premieres, awards and encounters with directors and actors.<\/p>\n Unlike the large cinema chains, \u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln<\/em> preserves the independent, family-run spirit that defines it. Under the stewardship of the Merle<\/em> family, their passion for film history is evident in every detail \u2014 from film selection to the viewer experience.<\/p>\n In an era when many historic theatres have either disappeared or become commercial multiplexes, Lincoln<\/em> stands as a cultural beacon \u2014 committed to artistic quality, diversity and meaningful cinematic engagement, far from the noise of mass entertainment.<\/p>\n The reopening of \u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln<\/em> is more than a physical return \u2014 it is the reaffirmation of a cinematic philosophy that values audience experience, curated programming and the bond between film and local community.<\/p>\n The numbers speak for themselves: more accessible pricing than major chains, screenings in original version, Q&As with directors, and themed cycles that invite dialogue and reflection.<\/p>\n This commitment to living culture makes Lincoln<\/em> not just a cinema, but a meeting place for film lovers \u2014 a convergence point for history, contemporary art and shared experience.<\/p>\n Long live \u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln<\/em>!<\/p>\n (*)<\/strong> Images courtesy of \u00c9lys\u00e9es Lincoln.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Its return is not simply the reopening of another theatre \u2014 it represents the resilience and renewal of independent cinema in a district that, for decades, was the beating heart of France\u2019s seventh art, yet had witnessed the disappearance of many of its classic theatres. A historic cinema looking to the future: origins and legacy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":95827,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5903,5904,5982,5986,5959],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-95880","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture-en","category-cinema","category-designs","category-interiors","category-architecture"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe grand renovation: design, comfort and technology<\/h6>\n
Interiors with vintage soul and contemporary comfort<\/h6>\n
Three unique and versatile screens<\/h6>\n
Curated programming and cultural diversity<\/h6>\n
The return of a passionate, family-run cinema<\/h6>\n
Cinema, community and culture: a model with a future<\/h6>\n