NATIONAL COSTUME CENTRE

The world's first museum dedicated to preserving the material heritage of theaters. It holds 10,000 theater, opera and ballet costumes, i.e. some 23,000 items, as well as painted set canvases, deposited by the Center's three founding institutions, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Comédie-Française and the Opéra national de Paris, to which have been added numerous donations from companies, artists and theaters. The oldest items date back to the ^18th century. These are authentic garments (men's suits and vests), donated or purchased by the Comédie-Française after the French Revolution, for use in an ^{18th-century-inspired} repertoire (Marivaux, Beaumarchais...). In addition to these exceptional pieces, the collection mainly comprises productions created since the second half of the ^19th century. In addition to the permanent exhibition devoted to star dancer Rudolf Nureyev, the CNCS organizes two major thematic exhibitions each year. Reception of professional events in the reception room, the auditorium or the café-brasserie with 150 places for cocktails; themed guided tours, artistic workshops (plastic and textile arts, performing arts, embroidery, theater, body expression...); family treasure hunts; children's workshops from age 4...

The CNCS has expanded with 2,000 m² of new space, 300 m² of which, called La Scène, is dedicated to theatrical scenography, promoting the performing arts professions and allowing visitors to discover what goes on behind the scenes. The exhibition is organized in 3 acts, continuing the tour. First, the design, imagined by the scenographer in dialogue with the director and his dramaturgical intentions, and also in relation to the scenic space and its technical equipment. This is followed by the production of the sets, construction, painting, sculpture, upholstery and props, all of which require rare and specialized skills. And finally, the performance, on a stage equipped with a set, hangers, curtains and scenery. This opportunity has enabled the CNCS to increase its reserves to continue enriching its costume collection. Among the first costumes to join these new reserves are iconic pieces such as stage outfits by Line Renaud, Dalida and Alain Bashung, as well as costumes by Jean-Paul Gaultier and by Pablo Picasso.