Photo : ANNECY FESTIVAL/B. Cafieri
Right at the heart of the Haras d’Annecy and its stunning landscaped grounds, the Cité internationale du cinéma d'animation opened its doors on Friday 19th June with the first screenings and exhibition openings.
Followed on Saturday by the Cité's official inauguration, celebrated by the City of Annecy and the Département de la Haute-Savoie in the presence of its institutional partners.
Throughout this extraordinary weekend, the public turned out in droves to explore this new iconic venue, which was open free of charge for the occasion.
Local residents, enthusiasts, families, festivalgoers and animation industry professionals turned out to experience the very first moments of this eagerly awaited grand opening, in a festive and convivial atmosphere.
This enthusiasm continued throughout 21st-27th June, as the Cité came alive to the beat of the international animation film festival. In a mere few days, it established itself as the new must-visit venue for the Festival, providing a place where people from all walks of life could discover, meet and share experiences right at the heart of Annecy.
More than 23,000 visitors have already flocked to the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation since it opened, testifying to the tremendous success of this new cultural venue!
An eclectic programme to suit all audiences
Staying true to its fundamental aim of sharing knowledge, the Cité chose to welcome its youngest visitors first. Hundreds of schoolchildren from across the Haute-Savoie department inaugurated the Cinéma de la Cité Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc by attending two exclusive screenings in the presence of Michel Ocelot and Émilie Tronche. As the venue's very first visitors, they also explored the Grenier à images workshops and the exhibition spaces on guided tours. This highly symbolic opening reflects the commitment to making younger audiences the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation's primary focus.
In celebration of the launch, 12,000 visitors enjoyed a festive programme on the Place Fontaine, in the centre of the Haras, which included a profoundly poetic concert, a spectacular giant karaoke session, and evening screenings…
The brand-new Cinéma de la Cité hosted Carte Blanche screenings featuring prestigious guests including Audrey Tautou, Inoxtag, Michel Ocelot, Alfonso Cuarón, and Florence Miailhe.
Inquisitive visitors also explored the Musée du cinéma d'animation, as well as the temporary exhibitions dedicated to Ankama and LAIKA Studios.
A successful launch for these new venues, which are now open all year round and welcoming visitors of all ages.
41 screenings
10,745 spectators at the Cinéma de la Cité Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc
3 exhibitions
11,375 exhibition visitors
28 workshops
685 participants at the Grenier à Images workshops
Browse all the photos from the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation's opening weekend.
Photo Gallery
Join us throughout the summer to visit the Cité's exhibition areas.
As for the Cinéma, take advantage of a summer programme from 8th to 20th July 2026.
Full programme to follow
