Located in the heart of New York City, FIAF is the country’s leading French language and cultural center. FIAF’s mission is to create and offer innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French cultures. We seek to generate new ideas and promote cross-cultural dialogue through partnerships and new platforms of expression. Founded at the turn of 20th century, the French Institute and the Alliance Française de New York operated as two separate organizations, the first promoting French arts, the second teaching French. In 1971 they merged to form what has become one of the largest and most respected centers of French-American activities in the U.S: the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF). For nearly 120 years, FIAF has been the destination for starting, continuing, and perfecting French language skills in a supportive, immersive, and culturally-rich setting. Browse and register for classes here. Through an unparalleled range of cultural events including live performances, film screenings, panel discussions, wine tastings, and gallery exhibitions, FIAF invites New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the best of French culture. View upcoming events here. FIAF is home to the largest private French library in the US. Discover the library’s collection and programs here. Housed in a beautiful and historic Beaux-Arts building on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, FIAF offers versatile, state-of-the-art event and reception spaces that can accommodate a wide variety of special occasions. View our venues here. We also offer unique access to French language and culture at our center in Montclair, New Jersey. Details here. FIAF 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.