Discover the fascinating history and current renaissance of La Pagode, a legendary art house cinema in the heart of Paris.

La Pagode—an emblem of Japanism in Paris—was built in 1896, commissioned by François-Emile Marin as a token of love and an extravagant gift to his wife, who adored Japanese culture. Originally a venue for sumptuous parties, it was fashioned into a cinema in the 1930s and soon became a renowned hub for the seventh art, attracting cinephiles from around the globe. Daring projections of avant-garde films were held within the refined interiors of this exceptional setting that included its own tearoom.

Today, under the aegis of an American aficionado of New Wave cinema, La Pagode has been given a new lease on life; following extensive and meticulous renovation work, it has been restored to its former beauty and is once again a cultural paragon, shimmering in the bright lights of the silver screen. This English-French bilingual edition was designed by Philippe Apeloig with red stitched binding and an embossed cover that evokes a vintage film poster.

About The Author

Documentary filmmaker Émilie Lançon is a historian and journalist; she previously worked on the news and magazine editorial teams at France Télévisions.