Que le spectacle commence! – Magic Lantern Family Session
The Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco invites families to discover the magic-lantern tradition on 23 October 2026 with a special session led by Anne Gourdet-Marès. Designed for children from age four and accompanying adults, the programme recreates the luminous storytelling that entertained audiences long before cinema screens became part of everyday life.
Before cinema: images brought to life with light
Magic lanterns projected hand-painted glass images onto walls and screens, while a lanternist used narration, movement and simple mechanisms to turn those images into a live spectacle. The session explores this early form of visual entertainment and its connection to the development of cinema.
The event includes a first part devoted to magic-lantern performances before the projection continues the family-oriented programme in the Institut’s small screening room.
Good to know
The session takes place on Friday 23 October 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It is suitable for ages four and over, and advance reservation is recommended. The event is listed as accessible to people with reduced mobility.
About the venue
The Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco preserves and presents the Principality’s audiovisual heritage through screenings, archival programmes, workshops and family activities.
