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Anthology Film Archives: A Haven for Avant-Garde Cinema

Explore the world of independent, experimental, and avant-garde cinema at this unique film archive and exhibition space in New York's East Village.

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Anthology Film Archives is an international center dedicated to preserving, studying, and exhibiting independent, experimental, and avant-garde cinema. Located in Manhattan's East Village, it screens nearly 1,000 public programs annually and houses the world's largest collection of paper materials documenting film and video as art.

A brief summary to Anthology Film Archives

Local tips

  • Check the online schedule for upcoming screenings and events, as the program changes frequently.
  • Arrive early to browse the film library and explore the collection of books and materials related to avant-garde cinema.
  • Consider becoming a member for discounted tickets and other benefits.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Anthology Film Archives is accessible by subway. Take the F train to the 2nd Avenue station and walk two blocks north on 2nd Avenue to 2nd Street. Alternatively, take the 6 train to the Bleecker Street station, walk one block north on Lafayette, then two blocks east on Bond St. (which turns into 2nd St.) to 2nd Avenue. A single subway fare is $3.

  • Walking

    From the কাছাকাছি New York City Marble Cemetery, walk south on 2nd Avenue for approximately 2 blocks. Anthology Film Archives will be on your right at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street. The walk is short and straightforward.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a direct route to Anthology Film Archives at 32 2nd Ave. From Union Square, a taxi ride will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic.

Unlock the Best of Anthology Film Archives

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Discover more about Anthology Film Archives

Anthology Film Archives stands as a beacon for independent, experimental, and avant-garde cinema. Founded in 1970 by Jonas Mekas and others, the archive evolved from a dream of creating a permanent home for non-commercial films. Anthology first opened at Joseph Papp's Public Theater, then relocated to Wooster Street before finding its current home in a former municipal courthouse in 1979. The building, adapted by architects Raimund Abraham and Kevin Bone, now houses two theaters, a research library, a film preservation department, offices, and a gallery. Anthology's mission extends beyond exhibition; it is deeply committed to film and video preservation, maintaining a collection of approximately 20,000 films and 5,000 videotapes and preserving 25-35 films each year. Anthology's research library is a treasure trove, holding the world's largest collection of paper materials documenting the history of American and international film and video as art. The Archives screens nearly 1,000 public programs annually, often featuring appearances by the artists themselves. Anthology remains dedicated to championing works of art created outside the commercial mainstream.

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