The Grand Rex

The Grand Rex, located at 1 Boulevard Poissonnière in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is one of the most iconic and historic cinemas in the city. Inaugurated on December 8, 1932, the Grand Rex is the result of the vision of film producer Jacques Haïk and the ingenuity of architects Auguste Bluysen and John Eberson. The cinema was designed as a scaled-down version of the famous Radio City Music Hall in New York, and its facade and interiors reflect Art Deco style, with decorative elements evoking an ancient Mediterranean city under a starry sky. The history of the Grand Rex is intertwined with that of cinema and Parisian culture. During World War II, the cinema was requisitioned by the German army and transformed into a “Soldatenkino” for soldiers on leave. After the liberation of Paris in 1944, the Grand Rex reopened with the screening of American films and the distribution of chewing gum during intermission, a touch that reflected the American cultural influence of the time. One of the most significant events in the history of the Grand Rex was the introduction of the “Féerie des eaux” in 1954, a water show that combines lights and music with water jets reaching up to 20 meters high. This show became a Christmas tradition, preceding the end-of-year Disney film screening. This innovation helped solidify the Grand Rex as a place not only to watch films, but also for unique spectacular experiences. In the 1960s, the Grand Rex attracted more visitors than the Louvre, drawing half a million spectators with the combination of the “Féerie des eaux” and the film “The Jungle Book”. In 1963, Alfred Hitchcock presented his film “The Birds” here, an event that highlighted the importance of the Grand Rex as a venue for prestigious premieres. In the 1970s, three small theaters were added to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse audience. In 1988, the “Le Grand Large” screen, the largest non-IMAX screen in Europe, was installed and inaugurated with Luc Besson’s film “The Big Blue”. This screen, hidden in the cinema’s ceiling and revealed only for special screenings, further elevated the prestige of the Grand Rex as one of the main cinemas in Paris. In addition to films, the Grand Rex hosts festivals, concerts, and live performances, making it a versatile cultural center. In 1997, the opening of the Rex Club added a nightlife dimension to its offerings, with electronic music nights attracting enthusiasts from around the world. The Grand Rex is not just a cinema, but a true historical monument. Since 1981, its facade and interiors have been protected as a historical monument, a recognition of its cultural and architectural importance. Over the years, it has undergone numerous restorations to preserve its integrity and adapt it to modern needs, without ever losing its distinctive character. Today, the Grand Rex continues to be a reference point for cinema and culture lovers in Paris. Its programming includes premieres, themed festivals, retrospectives, and film marathons dedicated to popular sagas like “Star Wars” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2023, the film “Oppenheimer” premiered at the Grand Rex, emphasizing its continued relevance in the contemporary film landscape.