The prestigious Cinémathèque Française in Paris announced on Friday that it will temporarily close its four screening halls for one month after multiple reports of bedbug sightings, including during a master class featuring Hollywood icon Sigourney Weaver.
The institution said the unprecedented closure is aimed at ensuring “a perfectly safe and comfortable environment” for all visitors following weeks of rising concern. Audience members first raised alarms in early November, reporting bites and visible bugs during Weaver’s event, which drew a full house.
Some told French media that they noticed insects crawling on seats and even on clothing, prompting immediate complaints to staff and journalists. One attendee, speaking to Le Parisien, described seeing bedbugs “on the seats and clothes,” sparking wider fears about hygiene and safety at one of Europe’s most respected film archives.
Located in eastern Paris, the Cinémathèque operates three public screening halls and one dedicated to educational programmes. While the exhibition spaces will remain open — including a popular showcase on actor and filmmaker Orson Welles — all cinema halls will undergo extensive decontamination.
The institution confirmed that every seat will be removed, treated several times with 180°C dry steam, and subsequently inspected by specially trained dogs. Carpets and other soft materials inside the theatres will receive the same treatment to guarantee complete eradication.
The closure arrives amid broader concerns across France regarding bedbug infestations, which surged in public places throughout 2023, including transport networks, hospitals, and other cinemas.
As Paris geared up to host the 2024 Olympics, social media posts depicting infestations triggered widespread anxiety, later discovered to have been amplified by Russia-linked accounts aiming to heighten public panic.
Health authorities have repeatedly warned of the physical and psychological toll of bedbug exposure. Bites often cause red marks, blisters, rashes, and severe itching, while prolonged infestations can trigger anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Pest-control professionals note that bedbugs are notoriously resilient, capable of hiding not only in mattresses but in fabrics, luggage, and small crevices, making them difficult to eliminate without rigorous intervention.
For the Cinémathèque Française — an institution revered for its vast film archive, retrospectives, and educational programming — the incident represents a significant blow at the start of the winter cultural season. Thousands of visitors attend screenings and lectures each month, particularly during award-season retrospectives and special master classes.
The management emphasised that the month-long shutdown is a preventive measure to ensure future events can resume without risk. Cultural officials and regular patrons expressed support for the decision, noting that transparent and proactive action is essential for maintaining trust.
While the infestation has caused embarrassment for the institution, many praised the thorough cleanup plan as a responsible response in an era of increasing bedbug visibility in France.
The Cinémathèque has assured the public that updates will be provided throughout the treatment process, and screenings are expected to resume once all areas have been certified pest-free.
For now, staff members are focusing on sustaining other areas of the building, ensuring visitors can continue exploring exhibitions and the library during the temporary closure.
As Paris continues to battle recurring bedbug flare-ups, the Cinémathèque’s decision underscores the challenges cultural institutions face in balancing public safety with operational continuity.
The incident serves as another reminder of the persistent public-health nuisance bedbugs pose — even in the city’s most celebrated cultural spaces.