The Institut français du Royaume-Uni rents eight rooms for screenings, conferences, board meetings, launches, receptions and dinners, from 16 people around a table to 225 in its cinema. The building stands at 17 Queensberry Place in South Kensington, a few minutes from South Kensington Underground station.
Seminars and company events
The Ciné Lumière is the main room for conferences and press screenings. It has 225 seats, two wheelchair spaces, a stage of 4 m by 8 m, a 4K digital cinema projector, 35 mm projection, 7.1 surround sound and a separate PA for live sound. A Steinway concert piano and video-conferencing or hybrid-event support can be added. Ciné Lumière II, on the lower ground floor, seats 34 for smaller screenings and presentations. For board meetings and workshops, La Salle Baudoin takes 16, Le Studio 20 and L'Atelier 20 adults. All rooms have Wi-Fi, and AV equipment can be added on request. A screening can be paired with a drinks reception in Les Salons, the library or Le Foyer.
Weddings and receptions
The Institut does not list weddings among its hire uses. Evening receptions, dinners, parties and acoustic concerts are part of the offer, and Le Foyer, with its sweeping marble staircase, is set up for receptions.
Rooms and capacities
The Art Deco library, with wood paneling, a balcony and parquet floors, seats 80, holds 110 standing and 24 in a U. It can be hired after the library closes and all day on Mondays and Sundays. Les Salons, a renovated period reception room with daylight, seats 60, holds 80 standing and 18 in a U, and comes with a laser projector, dimmable spotlights and a kitchen next door; a 1907 Pleyel grand piano is available on request. Le Foyer is listed for 100 guests. La Salle Baudoin (35 m²) has daylight and a mural by the French artist Baudoin. Le Studio (50 m²) has its own kitchenette. L'Atelier is a wood-floored workroom with a projector.
Catering
Brasserie Gazette, which runs the café-restaurant in the building, provides event catering and sends its options on request. Les Salons and Le Studio each have a kitchen area for service.
History and setting
The Institut is the French cultural institute in London, with a library, a cinema, a language school and a program of talks and concerts. Its Art Deco building is listed. Hire fees include staff, apart from security, cloakroom, attendants and reception.
Getting there
South Kensington Underground station, on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines, is a short walk away, and the Piccadilly line runs directly to Heathrow. The museums of Exhibition Road are close by. The cinemas, Les Salons and Le Studio are reachable by lift; La Salle Baudoin is not step-free.
