Centre national du costume et de la scène

About the museum

The Centre national du costume et de la scène opened in Moulins on July 1, 2006. It was inaugurated by the Minister of Culture of the time, in the presence of the mayor; Christian Lacroix chaired the board of directors. It presents itself as the first institution entirely devoted to the material heritage of the theatre.

The museum occupies the Villars district, a former 18th-century cavalry barracks listed as a historic monument, known for its staircases of yellow and pink sandstone. The building was restored by the chief architect of historic monuments, François Voinchet. A 1,730 m² storage building designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte houses the costumes.

The collections comprise about 10,000 theatre, opera and ballet costumes, as well as painted sets. They come from deposits of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Comédie-Française and the Paris Opera, complemented by many gifts. The Rudolf Noureev collection is permanently on display thanks to a gift from the Noureev Foundation. A new space, La Scène, opened in 2023 and adds about 2,000 m². The museum holds the “Musée de France” label.

Highlights

• Stage costume collection of the Comédie-Française, the Paris Opera and the BnF
• Rudolf Noureev collection
• La Scène space, dedicated to behind the scenes
• Former barracks in the Villars district, a historic monument
• Jardin de la Licorne

Permanent exhibitions

• Collection Noureev – Permanent space devoted to the costumes and objects of the dancer Rudolf Noureev, with a set design by Ezio Frigerio.
• La Scène, l'envers du décor – Permanent space showing the backstage areas and the trades of the stage.
• Bêtes de scène : 20 ans après… – Permanent space devoted to animal costumes in theatre and opera.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Centre national du costume et de la scène (établissement public)

Director

Delphine Pinasa

Visitors per year

approx. 99,188

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for one day, so the visit can be split up. Free admission also for Friends of the CNCS, staff of the Ministry of Culture, members of ICOM and AICA, holders of a press card and civic service volunteers. Payment on site by card, cash, cheque, chèques culture, Chèq’loisirs and paper ANCV holiday vouchers.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The whole site is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with lifts, ramps, rest benches and a reception desk at an adapted height. Wheelchairs and seating sticks are provided free of charge by reservation. Induction loops at reception, an introductory video in French Sign Language, and guided tours in sign language on request. There is also an easy-to-read guide, a tactile booklet, costumes to try on, audio guides with a high-contrast keypad, and braille and large-print texts.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Materials to touch and dressing areas in the rooms, workshops and tours for children, a family treasure hunt and birthday parties at the museum. During workshops, children are looked after by the team, so adults do not need to stay.

Getting there & parking

About 2 h 30 min by road from Paris and Lyon. Hire of classic and electric bicycles at the tourist office, by reservation.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Café-brasserie open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00; booking recommended. Bookshop, shop and the Jardin de la Licorne.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit