A FUTURE CINEMA MUSEUM IN N.Y.

The American Museum of the Moving Image, which hopes to become the country’s first cinematheque, was officially launched here Wednesday by Mayor Edward I. Koch.

“At a time when the federal government is decreasing its commitment to our museums and other cultural facilities, I am very pleased that this city has provided the funding essential to the creation of this institution,” Koch said Wednesday at Hollywood-style ceremonies marking the start of construction on a permanent home for the $10-million museum in Astoria, Queens.

The museum has been in operation since 1981 at the sprawling, recently restored Kaufman Astoria Film Studios with a program of screenings, lectures, and exhibitions devoted to the art, history and science of films, television and video. However, with $7.5 million in city funds now in hand, and with a campaign for the additional funds from foundations, corporations, industry unions and individuals now under way, the museum plans to vastly expand its program as well as its space.

The new museum will be reconstructed from a shell of a building now standing adjacent to the film studios. It is scheduled to open in January, 1988.