🎥 Did you know that cinema was born in Lyon? In 1895, the Lumière brothers revolutionized the world by filming La Sortie de l'Usine Lumière à Lyon, the very first motion picture in history. Now, in 2025, Lyon is celebrating the 130th anniversary of cinema with exciting events, exhibitions, and the launch of a new free streaming platform featuring restored Lumière films.

Discover how this milestone is bringing cinema lovers from all over the world back to the city where it all began.

🎞 Lyon: The Birthplace of Cinema

In 1895, Auguste and Louis Lumière filmed what is now considered the first movie ever made: a short sequence of workers leaving their factory in Lyon. Though simple, this 45-second film marked the beginning of a new era in storytelling, art, and technology.

Over the next decade, the Lumière brothers produced over 1,450 films, documenting everyday life, historic events, and international travels. Their work laid the foundation for modern cinema and helped shape the industry we know today.

📺 A “Netflix” for Lumière Films

To celebrate the 130th anniversary of cinema, L’Institut Lumière in Lyon is launching a free online platform where viewers can watch digitally restored Lumière films. This initiative, created in collaboration with the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma), will allow audiences worldwide to discover the early masterpieces of cinema in high definition.

📌 What’s special about this platform?
✔️ Over 450 restored films, many shot in ultra-wide 75mm format
✔️ A glimpse into daily life in Lyon and around the world in the late 19th century
✔️ Completely free to access

It’s a golden opportunity to rediscover the magic of early cinema, preserved and enhanced for modern viewers.