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. To Save and Project: This festival returns for its 20th year to present newly preserved and restored films from around the world. It will run from January 11 to February 4, 2024.
2. Doc Fortnight: In its 23rd year, this festival will highlight the next crop of innovative nonfiction films. It will take place from February 22 to March 7, 2024.
3. New Directors/New Films: The 53rd edition of this festival, co-presented by Film at Lincoln Center and MoMA, will bring new work by emerging directors to the silver screen. It will run from April 3 to 14, 2024.
4. Silent Movie Week: Returning for its second year, this new annual series will bring seven silent-film restorations to MoMA over the course of one week, from July 31 to August 6, 2024.
5. The Contenders: This popular annual film series will return on November 7, 2024, and continue into January 2025, featuring the Department’s picks for the year’s standout films.