New innovative collections storage

The CNCS is the only conservation center in France and the world dedicated to the material heritage of theaters.   It is home to a unique collection, the only one of its kind in the world. Today, it comprises 10,000 costumes from theater, dance and opera from the middle of the 19th century to the present day, with donations from the Center’s three founding institutes, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the Comédie-Française and the Paris Opéra, as well as a donations from theater companies, artists and theaters. The collection is constantly evolving with new acquisitions.

As an extension to the museum’s existing collections storage, the new facilities will provide much needed space for new acquisitions, as the museum continues to enrich its collections. Over the next fifteen to twenty years, the museum will be able to significantly increase its capacity in costume conservation. Emblematic and significant pieces for the CNCS, including stage costumes from Line Renaud, Dalida and Alain Bashung, as well costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier or inspired by Pablo Picasso, have been among the first to join the new storage space. Specifically designed for the conservation of fragile heritage collections, these facilities are equipped with the latest climate control technology. Particularly sensitive to light, dust and variations in humidity and temperature, the textile collections are stored between 18 and 20°C (64-68°F) with a relative humidity of between 45 and 60%. Levels 1 and 2 have been fitted with a high-density motorized mobile shelving system that optimizes storage capacity. This innovative solution lowers building costs by eliminating the need for a slab between these two levels.
 
Cover photo: © Nicolas Anglade – ATELIERS ADELINE RISPAL, architecture & scenography