Discover the rich history of MoMA Film Department

Since its inception in 1929, The Museum of Modern Art has been at the forefront of film preservation and curation, shaping the way we perceive and appreciate the cinematic medium. In 1935, the museum established its Film Library, marking a significant step in its commitment to cinema. John Hay Whitney, a Museum Trustee and film producer, served as the first chairman of the Museum's Film Library from 1935 to 1951. Alongside cinema curator Iris Barry, Whitney curated a remarkable collection of films. The success of Whitney's collection was evident when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded MoMA in 1937, recognizing its impact on the film world.

Today, MoMA's Film Department boasts a collection of over 30,000 films and 1.5 million film stills, making it the strongest international film collection in the United States. The collection includes original negatives from the Biograph and Edison companies, as well as the world's largest collection of films by D. W. Griffith.

The Circulating Library at MoMA’s Film Department, established in 1935, collects films showcasing the historical and artistic evolution of cinema, aiming to establish it as a significant art form. Initially, the library offered a circulating collection at affordable rates to colleges, museums, and other educational institutions.

Today, the Circulating Library remains unique, providing access to films by renowned independent filmmakers not easily found on 16mm. It has expanded its outreach to include regional and international film festivals, Museum exhibitions, and other film organizations that can still screen 16mm film, thus enhancing the accessibility of its exceptional collection. The library currently offers only 16mm prints for rental, including distribution prints used in movie theaters. It houses the Warhol 16mm collection and Richard Serra titles, working closely with rights holders.

The following screenings and exhibitions would be of interest to you if you are a film buff:

1. The Lady at 100: Columbia Classics from the Locarno Film Festival: This festival celebrates Columbia Pictures' centennial with a series of films that show the evolution and growth of the film studio. It will run from April 16 to May 24, 2025.
2. Sarah Maldoror: The retrospective on the French filmmaker is in honor of the work she has done in giving voice to various political movements and experiences of marginalized communities. The exhibit features 8 new restorations and will take place from May 1 to 15, 2025.
3. Carte Blanche: Rosa Barba: The collection features a curated set of avant-garde and experimental works that have shaped her career and approach to filmmaking as a whole. It will run from May 13 to 18, 2025.
4. The Red Thread | Larry Gottheim’s Films: The film series takes an introspective look into Larry Gottheim's experimental approach to filmmaking. The showcase takes a deep dive into his career, starting from his first film to his latest release, including silent films, films with sound, and feature films. It will take place from May 15 to 27, 2025.
5. Queer and Uncensored: The collection features over 75 shorts and features by 65 filmmakers as a cinematic celebration of the queer community and a portrayal of the struggle and activist movement through the ages. The exhibition will run from May 28 to June 27, 2025