L’Alliance New York
About Us

Our Vision

L’Alliance New York is the home of francophone cultures and French language: a beacon from New York to the world.

We are the leading educational, cultural, and arts institution where people from all over the world connect through our engaging and immersive French language classes and world-class cultural programming.

Celebrating 125 Years!

In 2023, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: the 125th anniversary of the Alliance Française de New York, which at its founding in 1898 became the foundation for the organization that since 1972 has been known as the French Institute Alliance Française. Throughout these 125 years, we have taught French to hundreds of thousands of students of all ages, and shared the best of cultural programming from around the francophone world, with cinema, performances, literature, visual arts, and more.

Our new name–L’Alliance New York–represents our dedication to inclusivity; to the alliance of language and culture, and how they support and inform one another; and to showcasing the special vibrancy that every francophone nation has to share with the people of New York City.

Our Mission

As an independent, not-for-profit organization, L’Alliance is committed to providing our members and students with engaging French language classes and audacious multi-disciplinary programming that celebrates the diversity of francophone cultures and creativity around the world.

We are a welcoming and inclusive community for all ages and backgrounds, where people can meet, learn, explore the richness of heritage, and share discoveries. We strive to amplify voices and build bridges from the entire francophone world to New York and beyond.

Our Values

  • Audacity
  • Curiosity
  • Inclusivity 
  • Vibrancy
  • Agility 
  • Trust
  • Excellence
  • Connection
  • Forward-Thinking
  • Diversity
  • Welcoming

Our History

L’Alliance New York’s history began in 1898 when the Alliance Française established a chapter here in New York City. In 1911, francophile New Yorker MacDougal Hawkes founded the Museum of French Art, French Institute, and opened a space in 1925 inside a beautiful Beaux-Arts building at 22 East 60th Street, where L’Alliance still operates. In 1971, the two institutions combined  to create the French Institute Alliance Française, now known as L’Alliance New York.

As a product of this union, L’Alliance is infused with the spirit of the original French Institute. Designed to serve as a museum, library, and intellectual and social club for New York’s francophone community, the French Institute is a place where all are welcome — a place of community, culture, support, and festivity.

L’Alliance is also part of the Alliance Française community created in Paris in 1883 and shares its values of freedom, education, and intellectual innovation. We are committed to carrying out the founders’ humanist mission of teaching the French language, organizing cultural events and activities, bringing together friends of the French-speaking world, and promoting French and francophone cultures. The Alliance Française is apolitical and non-sectarian, and at L’Alliance, inclusion and openness are similarly core values of our institution.

Our Activities

Fun and Engaging French Classes

For 125 years, L’Alliance New York has been the destination for beginning, continuing, and perfecting French language skills in a supportive, immersive, and culturally rich setting. Browse and register for classes here or learn more about our preschool here.

Exciting Francophone Cultural Events

Through an unparalleled range of cultural events, including live performances, film screenings, panel discussions, wine tastings, and gallery exhibitions, L’Alliance invites New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy in the best of French and francophone cultures. View upcoming events here.

Extensive French Library

L’Alliance is home to one of the largest private French libraries in the US. Discover the library’s collection and programs here.

Exclusive Membership Benefits

L’Alliance members enjoy enriching experiences celebrating French languages and francophone cultures that you won’t find anywhere else, including free tickets to weekly films and discounted tickets to nearly all cultural programs. Sign up for a membership here.

Beautiful Venues for Rent

Housed in a beautiful, historic Beaux-Arts building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, L’Alliance offers versatile, state-of-the-art event and reception spaces that can accommodate a wide variety of special occasions. View our venues here or take a virtual tour of our building here.

L’Alliance Montclair Campus

We also offer unique access to French language instruction and cultural events at our language center in Montclair, New Jersey. Learn more here.

Have more questions about L’Alliance New York? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions pages for the Language Center, Manhattan Preschool, Montclair Preschool, and Venues for Rent!

L’Alliance New York is a private, American 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in the state of New York and is not an agency of the French government. The IRS Form 990 is available at guidestar.org.

L’Alliance New York does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services, and activities, or in employment.

Library member picking a book

Become a L’Alliance New York Member

A membership with L’Alliance New York is the best way to enjoy francophone culture in and around NYC. Become a L’Alliance New York Member today!

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