Orson Welles, creative genius of the 7th art, reveals himself for the duration of an exhibition at the Cinémathèque française. From October 8, 2025, discover the dazzling retrospective My Name is Orson Welles. This exhibition explores the whole of Orson Welles’ oeuvre, far beyond his cinematic masterpiece Citizen Kane. Certainly one of the finest exhibitions in Paris this autumn!
My Name is Orson Welles, a plunge into the filmmaker’s genius
Orson Welles is one of the most fascinating artistic figures of theXXᵉ century. Actor, director, cinematographer… the multi-faceted artist left his mark on cinema with a rare creative freedom. The Cinémathèque française is devoting an exceptional exhibition to him, My Name is Orson Welles, from October 8, 2025 to January 11, 2026. Spotlight on the scope and richness of his work, and his extraordinary life.
Citizen Kane, considered one of the greatest films in history
The exhibition retraces Welles’ unique trajectory, from European theater to radio stardom, to his crowning achievement in Hollywood. Citizen Kane, his masterpiece, is at the heart of the exhibition. But the exhibition is not limited to Orson Welles’ cult film. It also reveals his many (sometimes unfinished) projects, his daring literary adaptations, his European and independent films, and his infinite artistic palette, from sculpture to drawing. A fine tribute to the artist in all his plurality.
From October 8 onwards,over 400 documents and works will be on display: photographs, unpublished archives, sketches, audiovisual installations, unfinished films and exclusive extracts. A fascinating plunge into a universe that reveals Orson Welles’ ability to constantly reinvent himself. As an aside, the Cinémathèque will be offering a fine selection of large-screen screenings over the next two months. In the darkened rooms, cinephiles will delight in rediscovering Citizen Kane (1941), The Trial (1962), Othello (1951) and Truth and Deceit (1976), among other nuggets by the cinema’s sacred monster.
In short, a veritable plunge into the work of one of the greatest creators of theXXᵉ century awaits film lovers this autumn. See you at the Cinémathèque française!
Practical information:
🎥 My name is Orson Welles exhibition
📍 Cinémathèque française, 51 rue de Bercy, Paris 12e
📅 From October 8 to November 29, 2025
🎫 Reservation required for a viewing slot
💶 Full rate: €14 – Reduced rate €11 – Under 18s €7