CinéRobothèque

I am devastated to see that this gem has closed. I went in 2009 on a trip to Montréal. I spent a week in Montréal and went to this lovely place every night I was there. I would spent a couple of hours viewing amazing government short documentary films and other short films by Canadian directors before heading out for dinner. The place was clean, chairs were very comfortable and had built in speakers to the head piece. There were touchscreen computers to make your selection and a large viewing screen in front of you. It was so calming and relaxing. On my first night the gentleman at the front desk showed me the robot that runs all the laser discs and how it accesses the selections you make. The place was a haven for those who love film and was something I wish we could have in Boston. It truly had a library feel but for film. I wish it could come back!

Love this place. Read about it in a Lonely Planet guide to Montréal. It’s a free archive of national film. (Quebec classic cartoons, government films and full length dramas) The viewing stations are great — very comfortable and viewer-​friendly.
It’s kind of tucked away, so here is what you do:
Enter, smile at the front desk, walk up the stairs right in front of you to the second floor. There is a desk that looks like a library circulation desk. Tell the attendant that you are interested in 1 or 2 hours. It’s alllll freeee. If you tell them it’s your first visit, they will probably show you how to use the equipment. Very helpful, friendly staff.
The location is fantastic. It’s across the street from Juliette et Chocolat and dozens of other great restaurants.

the National Film Board of Canada’s robot (for reals!) serves up over 10,000 NFB films on personal screening consoles for FREE