What to Expect at the Criterion Mobile Closet

What to Expect at the Criterion Mobile Closet

Stocked with more than 1,000 of the greatest films from around the world, the Criterion Collection Closet may offer more cinematic inspiration per square foot than any other place on the planet. Filmmakers, stars, and creative luminaries of all kinds come to Criterion to champion their favorite films in our popular Criterion Closet Picks video series. In honor of our fortieth anniversary, we’re taking the Closet on the road and opening the door to everyone. Come in, explore the collection, and make your own Closet video!

Where to Find the Mobile Closet

September 28–29, October 5–6
11 a.m.–9 p.m.
62nd New York Film Festival
Alice Tully Hall
New York, NY

Watch this space, and be sure to follow Criterion on Instagram, X, or Facebook for updates.

How It Works

  • The Criterion Closet is stocked with every in-print edition from the Criterion Collection, including box sets, as well as all in-print releases from our Eclipse and Janus Contemporaries lines. 
  • You don’t need a reservation to visit the Criterion Mobile Closet—there are no advance tickets or time slots; just show up at the site and find your place in line. Up to three people can share a Closet visit, so bring your friends!
  • As long as supplies last, you’ll receive a Criterion tote bag and a printed pocket guide to the Criterion Collection.
  • Use the pocket guide to find films you love from the Collection. The numbered order of the films in the guide matches the order of the films in the Closet so that you can easily find what you’re looking for once inside.
  • If you don’t know what to choose, don’t worry! Just tell us about a film or filmmaker you love, and we’ll help you find something that fits you.
  • Although we’ll have our camera rolling throughout the Closet visit, there’s absolutely no pressure to perform or talk about your selections. Your experience in the Closet is yours to create!
  • If you would like to film or photograph your visit on your own camera or phone, you’re welcome to use our wall mount.
  • Each Closet visit will last three minutes. Once the clock starts, you’ll have that time to explore the collection or talk about your selections. Don’t worry—the Criterion Closet team is there to help you find what you’re looking for, and if all you want to do is look around, that’s okay too!
  • No purchase is required, but you are able to buy up to three items with our special Mobile Closet discount of 40 percent off, in honor of our fortieth anniversary. A limited amount of Criterion merch may also be available for purchase at the time of your visit.
  • At the end of every Closet visit, we take a Polaroid of our visitors with their selections, which will be yours to keep as a souvenir along with the tote bag and guide to the Collection, while supplies last.
  • You might be featured on our social feeds, so keep an eye out and be sure to follow us on social media: Instagram, X, and Facebook. 
  • If you post your Criterion Mobile Closet experience on social, don’t forget to tag and use the hashtag #criterioncloset


FAQ

Are all Closet videos filmed in this Mobile Closet?

No, the Mobile Closet is a replica of our original Closet, which is located at our offices in Manhattan.

Is the Mobile Closet the exact same closet as the one at the Criterion office?

The Criterion Closet in the Criterion office is a few inches narrower, and the ceiling is slightly higher, but the contents and arrangements of the two Closets are identical.

Is this experience free?

Yes, visiting the Criterion Mobile Closet is free.

Do I have to be filmed if I want to enter the Closet?

The camera in the Closet is always rolling, so you will be filmed. Some of the footage may be included in Criterion Closet supercuts or other videos we share through our social and other communications channels.

Can I shop the Closet?

Yes, you can shop the closet at a 40 percent discount, but there is a limit of three items per person.

Why can I shop for only three items? Can I shop more?

We want everyone to have a good Closet experience, so we need to protect against the limited Mobile Closet inventory being depleted too quickly.  You are welcome to shop for more discs at our online store.

Why is my visit limited to three minutes?

We want this to be a fun experience for everyone. In our experience, three minutes hit the perfect balance for most people, keeping the wait manageable while giving people enough time to explore the Closet and express themselves.

Do I have to sign the legal waiver?

Yes, to enter the Mobile Closet, you will have to agree to our terms and conditions.

Is the tote bag free?

Yes, the tote bag, pocket guide, and Polaroid photo are yours to keep!

Is the Mobile Closet wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the Freightliner MT45 step van itself is not wheelchair accessible, but if you are unable to enter the Mobile Closet for accessibility reasons, we’ll still be happy to welcome you, and you’ll still get a tote bag, a pocket guide (while supplies last!), a Mobile Closet shopping discount, and a Polaroid at the Mobile Closet with your selections.

I don’t live in New York. Where can I find the Closet next?

Our goal is to bring the Mobile Closet all over the USA. Watch this space, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media to find out what our next stops will be.

I don’t have a DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K disc player. How can I access Criterion Collection films?

Criterion Collection physical-media editions require a disc player. The best streaming source for Criterion Collection films and their special features is the Criterion Channel, which also features the best new films, fresh from theaters, and your favorite movie classics in new curated collections every month.

You have no items in your shopping cart