Founded at the turn of 20th century, the French Institute and the Alliance Française de New York operated as two separate organizations, the first promoting French arts, the second teaching French. In 1971 they merged to form what has become one of the largest and most respected centers of French-American activities in the U.S: the French Institute Alliance Française.

Located at 22 East 60th Street between Park and Madison Avenues on New York City’s Upper Eastside, our beautiful Beaux Arts building is reminiscent of the architecture of Haussmann Paris. Over 6000 students learn French at our Language Center, New York's leading center for French language. The Haskell Library is the most comprehensive private French library in the United States. The 400-seat Florence Gould Hall Theater, where we present LIVE performing arts events and New York’s only year-round French cinema series CinémaTuesdays; Tinker Auditorium where we present culinary, literary, and other cultural events; the dramatic penthouse space, Le Skyroom (featuring a demonstration kitchen) where we present exclusive Art de Vivre events; and the recently opened FIAF Gallery ensure FIAF’s place as a vibrant cultural force for New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds.

A wide-ranging performing arts program presenting a unique mix of theater, music, visual arts and dance. A weekly CinémaTuesdays, features classic and contemporary films which makes FIAF unique in New York City with its presentation of all French movies year-round. We offer a variety of social programs available to members and non-members, such as Rendez-Vous (French conversation gatherings with a French moderator), and Art de Vivre (a series of culinary and art interest programs).