Temporary exhibition "Méliès, the Magic of Cinema"

After eight years dedicated to comics, the Department of Moselle is opening a new cultural chapter by honoring the 7th art. For this 2026 edition, it is joining forces with an exceptional institution, La Cinémathèque française, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary that year. Together, they offer a unique off-site exhibition, installed in the majestic setting of the Château de Malbrouck.

An immersion in the world of Méliès

Titled "Méliès, the magic of cinema", the exhibition invites young and old to discover the abundant work of Georges Méliès, founding figure of cinema. A magician turned filmmaker, he revolutionized a nascent art by introducing fiction, fantasy and the first special effects. Between 1896 and 1913, he made more than 500 films, opening the way to limitless imagination.

A spectacular journey through the heart of the castle

The tour begins in the auditorium, where a selection of restored films immediately immerses the visitor in the visual poetry of Méliès. Thanks to a magic lantern, ancestor of the projector, the first animated images come back to life before your eyes.

In the Witch's Tower, discover the origins of her art: magic and illusions. Interactive devices like the zoetrope or the phenakistiscope allow us to understand the beginnings of the movement in cinema, while his first films reveal unprecedented inventiveness.

The visit continues in the Tour du Rocher Chauve, where the fantastic universe of Méliès takes shape through immersive projections and interactive installations. Further on, a reconstruction of his Montreuil studio reveals behind the scenes of his creations and the incredible modernity of his methods.

The Journey to the Moon and a legacy still alive

A highlight of the exhibition, the full screening of the legendary A Trip to the Moon transports the visitor to a reconstructed cinema room. This iconic film, famous for its iconic eye-catching moon, alone embodies all the creative power of Méliès.

His influence spans generations: from Fritz Lang to George Lucas, to James Cameron, everyone claims his legacy. Even today, in the digital age and artificial intelligence, his work questions our relationship to images and illusion.

An exhibition between wonder and reflection

More than a retrospective, this exhibition is an immersive experience that invites you to rediscover the origins of cinema while questioning its future. Between magic, innovation and poetry, it offers a unique dive into the imagination of a visionary genius.

In 2026, let yourself be amazed by the magic of the beginnings of cinema and come live an unforgettable experience at the Château de Malbrouck.

Opening hours

During site opening hours

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