Cinémathèque d'images de montagne
Gap cinémathèque dedicated to mountain films: a 350 m² exhibition, virtual reality, a 160-seat cinema and a bar with a video jukebox.
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About the museum
The Cinémathèque d’images de montagne (CIM) is an association governed by French law (loi 1901) and recognized as being in the general interest. Since its creation in 1996, it has collected, preserved and disseminated professional and amateur films shot in mountain areas since the invention of cinema. It has gathered more than 10,000 audiovisual documents, all digitized, and more than 3,500 films have been restored, digitized and indexed in an online searchable database. Its holdings include films by major alpinists such as Lionel Terray, René Desmaison and Gaston Rebuffat.
The association renovated the former Badin factory in Gap, where since September 2022 it has offered a 160-seat cinema, a 350 m² exhibition space, a virtual reality area and a reception area with a bar and video jukebox. Since 2009 it has also organized the Rencontres de la Cinémathèque de montagne, a documentary festival, as well as traveling screenings in villages across the Hautes-Alpes.
Highlights
- Exhibition on mountain and mountaineering cinema (films, historical objects, filming and climbing equipment)
- Virtual reality: a hot-air balloon flight over the Hautes-Alpes, the Céüse cliff and an ice waterfall in Ceillac
- 160-seat cinema with laser projector and Dolby 7.1 sound
- Free video jukebox in the hall and bar
- Online database of more than 3,500 digitized films
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposition sur le cinéma de montagne et d'alpinisme – Interactive 350 m² route with films, historical objects and period equipment, on mountain life and on expedition, mountain and wildlife cinema.
- Espace de réalité virtuelle – Immersive mountain experiences: a hot-air balloon over the Hautes-Alpes, the Céüse cliff, the Ceillac ice waterfall, the Barre des Écrins and a high-mountain pasture with a shepherd.
- Founded
- 1996
- Operated by
- Association Cinémathèque d'images de montagne
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Under 18, students, job seekers, people with disabilities |
| Film screening without speaker | €6Reduced rate: €4. No reservation needed. |
| Film screening with speaker | €8Reduced rate: €6. Reservations possible through the Gap tourist office. |
Rate for visiting the exhibition, without reservation. Screening prices are listed separately.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The exhibition is presented as an interactive experience suitable for all ages, with educational booklets adapted by age. Workshops (the Balbuciné case on the origins of cinema, stop motion with figurines, optical toys) are offered, as well as a program during school holidays.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
Bar at reception (local beer, wine, juice, coffee, hot chocolate, teas) and a free video jukebox in the hall.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tour of the exhibition by the Cinémathèque’s educators, with educational booklets suited to all ages. The CIM also offers workshops (pre-cinema, stop motion) and screenings for schools, social organizations and groups. |
