French Institute Alliance Française

Profile

Encompassing a language school, a theater and the largest French library in North America, this century-old institute keeps Francophiles culturally sated with instruction and entertainment. More than 200 French classes�from beginning to advanced�are available to help you learn basic grammar, correct pronunciation, or the difference between deux, doux, and du. Specialized courses are geared toward literature, travel and business. Students and members have access to a library with an inventory of 40,000 French-language books and 100 magazine and newspaper subscriptions as well as numerous comics, CDs and DVDs. CinemaTuesdays, in the 400-seat theater of Florence Gould Hall, hosts weekly film screenings, previews of new French releases and festivals that highlight the work of a particular actor, director or genre. Tickets to movies are $10 for non-members, $7 for students, and free for members. A rotating program of dance performances, food/wine tastings lectures, concerts, and book clubs round out the offerings, but the esprit de fraternité at the annual Bastille Day on 60th Street celebration may be what New Yorkers think of first. — Karen Hudes

The Institute hosts group tours of the library by appointment. For more information, call 646-388-6655. The Language Center organizes school field trips and various workshops in cooking, baking, and theater, etc. For more information, call 646-388-6612.

If You Have Kids
In addition to year-round classes and library programs, the center offers French day camp programs for children in July and August (ages 1-17).

Library Services
Amenities at the library include a reference center, language lab, Internet access, video and audio players, children’s programs, book-sale cart and a new-acquisitions list by email.

Florence Gould Hall
FIAF's theater is located at 55 E. 59th St., and can be reached at 212-355-6160. The box office is open Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 7 p.m., Saturdays from noon-4 p.m.,  and is closed Sundays and Mondays, unless an event is scheduled. Tickets for all events can be purchased via Ticketmaster.