Le Grand Rex Cinema

The Grand Rex is a Parisian shrine to the Golden Age of cinema and the largest film theater in Europe. Famous for its Art Deco design, the main auditorium features a starred ceiling, water displays and whimsical decorations surrounding a huge 55-foot-wide screen. The theater holds nearly 3,000 seats.
Built by French film producer Jacques Haïk in 1932, the Rex was designed by architects Auguste Bluysen and John Eberson, the latter of whom worked his magic on more than 300 cinemas in the United States. The goal for the Rex, however, was to create the most beautiful movie theater in Paris, a place where audience members could feel like they were watching a film in the open air. For its iconic decor, the theater was declared a national monument by the French government in 1981.
Since the 1950s, the Grand Rex has specialized in major Hollywood films, especially Disney productions, as well as big-name concerts and film premieres. The Rex is especially worth visiting in April, when the six-day Jules Verne Film Festival takes place.
Interactive 50-minute audio tours in both French and English are available for visitors interested in a behind-the-scenes look.

Practical Info

Situated at 1 Boulevard Poissonnière in the Opera area of central Paris, Le Grand Rex is close to Bonne Nouvelle metro station. The Rex is open from 10 a.m. until midnight.