The "Hangar du Premier-Film"
(Hangar of the First Film)
The "Hangar" is the first set in the history of the Cinématographe, and can be seen in "La Sortie des usines Lumière", Louis Lumière’s first film. It constitutes the fundamental vestiges of the memory of cinema.

Overlooked during the total destruction of the Lumière factories at the start of the 1970’s, it was later classified as a Monument Historique (historic building) by the Ministre de la Culture (French Secretary for Arts) Mr. Jacques Toubon during the First Century of the Cinema celebrations held in 1995.

A competition was launched by the public authorities. This involved conserving the " Hangar " and building a film theater.

The 18.4 million FF total cost of this work was financed by the Ville de Lyon (8.4 million FF), the Ministère de la Culture (4 million FF), the Conseil Général du Rhône (3 million FF) and the Région Rhône-Alpes (3 million FF).

The development was managed by two teams of architects : overall project architect Pierre Colboc was joined by Michel Cova for the scenographic content and Didier Reppellin for the section classified Monument Historique (historic building).
"Sortie des usines Lumière"

 

 

There are several versions of this film. Louis Lumière shot a first trial on a paper support late in the summer of 1894. The first flexible film version was shot in March 1895 (on the 19th most probably); its screening in Paris on March 22nd aroused the enthusiasm of the viewers. The best known later version was shot in the summer of 1895 and showed the working women in bodices and the workmen wearing boaters.
 
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Photo A. Franchella © Inventaire du Patrimoine

 

 

The " Hangar du Premier-Film" was the last relic of the photographic product factory built by Antoine Lumière in Monplaisir from 1882 onwards. It served as a setting for the first motion picture filmed by Louis Lumière.

 
   

 

The "Hangar du Premier-Film" today

The "Hangar du Premier-Film" today

Photos: J.L. Mège