Eden Theatre, World’s Oldest Cinema, Reopens in La Ciotat

Dating from the 19th century, the Eden Théâtre is the oldest cinema in the world. This is where the Lumière brothers—on a fateful day in 1895—first screened a film for a private audience. Facing the Mediterranean in the seaside town La Ciotat in the south of France, the Eden Théâtre recently unveiled a makeover as part of the cultural festivities surrounding Marseille-Provence 2013.

The Eden—mythical in the imaginations of cinema lovers around the world—had been closed for 18 years. The renovation preserved original elements in the historic-listed building: the red color of the room, the ceiling, the stage decorated with a lyre representing the arts. Much of the original yellow façade had been destroyed during World War II, so it had to be reconstructed.

The grand re-opening was celebrated on October 9, 2013 with a packed house. Juliette Binoche presided over the event as Maîtresse de Cérémonie, screening a montage of Lumière Brothers’ films that were originally projected at the Eden.  The theatre now hosts a rich programme of cultural events like the Short Films Festival; see the official website for the latest news.

Eden Théâtre: 25, Boulevard Georges Clémenceau, 13600 La Ciotat