French Cinematheque Shuts Down Theaters Temporarily, Bolsters Health Measures

On November 7, following a tribute screening to Sigourney Weaver at the French Cinematheque, several attendees reported being bitten by bed bugs. In response to the uproar on social media, the management of the Cinematheque stated they were “taking the situation very seriously”.

Today, the French Cinematheque has announced – via a press release – that it will temporarily close its cinema halls starting Friday, November 28, for a period of one month, to enhance its prevention and treatment protocol against bed bugs.

“To ensure a perfectly safe and comfortable environment for all our guests, the French Cinematheque has decided to strengthen its bed bug prevention and treatment protocol. Following new reports, our cinema halls will be closed from Friday, November 28, for a duration of one month.

This temporary closure will allow us to conduct a thorough and lasting treatment. All seats will be dismantled and individually treated with dry steam at 180 degrees, repeatedly, before undergoing systematic canine inspections to validate each step. The carpets will receive the same level of attention and treatment.”

Only Cinema Halls to Close

The French Cinematheque clarifies that this closure affects only the cinema halls. All other facilities remain open to the public under normal conditions: the “My Name is Orson Welles” exhibit, the Méliès Museum, the library, educational spaces, the bookstore, and the restaurant will continue to welcome visitors.

The reopening of the cinema halls is scheduled for January 2, 2026, with the Scandinavian Noir Films retrospective, followed by the David Gordon Green retrospective starting January 7, and the great classics of silent cinema as seen by Henri Langlois starting January 8, in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the French Cinematheque.

In its statement, the institution expressed gratitude to its visitors for their understanding and loyalty, reaffirming that the safety, comfort, and well-being of the audience remain its top priority.