Louis Denavaut Infuses Elysées Lincoln with a Vibrant New Identity
As independent cinemas across Europe face closure, Louis Denavaut rejuvenates the historic Elysées Lincoln cinema in Paris, France. Through his architectural vision, Denavaut introduces a progression of unique atmospheres, crafting three distinct interior environments characterized by a dynamic mix of materials and colors—ranging from serene velvet greens to bold pinks and gentle pastels.
This revitalized hybrid venue merges cultural and event functions, where color, texture, and mood set the backdrop for collective cinematic experiences. Across L’Audito, Le Studio, and Le Club, Denavaut treats each space as if it were a different film genre—each with its own ambiance, color scheme, and rhythm—fostering a renewed sense of cinematic immersion.
all images by Mary Erhardy via @CinemaElyseesLincoln, unless stated otherwise
Three Chromatic Worlds for Contemporary Cinema in Paris
Belonging to the Multiciné network of independent Parisian theaters, the Elysées Lincoln art-cinema now operates as both a cultural destination and a flexible event space. Denavaut’s renovation introduces three distinct spatial typologies: a main auditorium for larger screenings, an intimate premium room for smaller audiences, and a versatile lounge for social or professional events. Technical enhancements—including 4K laser projection, a fully equipped catering kitchen, and a customizable LED facade visible from the avenue—support this broadened function. With these changes, the French architect suggests that the future of independent cinemas isn’t about matching the comfort of major chains, but about curating environments that are distinctive and sensorially engaging.
The main auditorium, L’Audito, offers the most subdued atmosphere. Deep olive-green velvet seats are arranged within walls adorned with a subtle pink harlequin pattern, lending the space a gentle visual rhythm. The dense, botanical-pattern carpet pays homage to the theater’s heritage without resorting to nostalgia. Oversized black speakers are mounted openly, becoming sculptural elements that punctuate the room’s geometry. A thin LED strip along the lower wall bathes the space in a soft green glow, giving the seating area a gentle floating effect. The result is an enveloping, slightly retro space designed to calm and focus the audience before the film begins.
Le Club is bathed in baby-pink tones | image via Multiciné
Hot-Pink Immersion and Pastel Curves
Le Studio envelops guests in a chamber where walls, ceiling, and floor shift between red and vibrant hot pink, creating a dramatic, unified space. Plush magenta seats add a comfortable, almost domestic touch, amplified by their repetition. This environment is designed for smaller groups—ideal for private screenings or meetings—where lighting, acoustic quality, and comfort work together seamlessly.
The third space, Le Club, is immersed in soft baby-pink hues. With its arches, rounded wall niches, and glowing circular sconces, the room cultivates a warm, sociable ambiance. A wall of circular relief panels—reminiscent of speaker cones—transforms into a luminescent sculptural feature, while round ceiling lights reinforce the spatial rhythm. This adaptable area accommodates both cocktail receptions and seated events, featuring a bar and a separate entrance. Reflective surfaces catch and scatter the gentle lighting, adding subtle golden highlights and enhancing the lounge-like, festive character of the room.
By shaping the cinema into three atmospheric zones, Louis Denavaut demonstrates how independent cinemas continue to play a vital cultural role. These venues become places not just for film, but for the sensory environments that surround them. Located within one of Paris’s busiest commercial districts, the revitalized Elysées Lincoln shows that intimacy, tactile detail, and thoughtful design can still draw people together—helping to sustain these cherished communal spaces.
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