Located in Moulins, in the Allier region, the National Center for Stage Costume and Scenography, or CNCS, is the first conservation institution dedicated to the physical heritage of theaters. It takes place in the old cavalry quarter of the city, on the left bank of the Allier, in an 18th century military barracks and today listed as a Historic Monument for its yellow and pink sandstone stairs.
On site, visitors can discover a rich collection of more than 10,000 stage costumes deposited by the Comédie-Française, the National Library of France or the Opéra national de Paris. Exceptional living heritage, the CNCS notably unveils costumes made by Christian Lacroix or Frank Sorbier for artists as famous as Rudolf Nureyev or Régine Crespin.
Labeled Musée de France, its honorary president is the famous French couturier Christian Lacroix, and offers fascinating thematic temporary exhibitions every four months. The National Center for Stage Costume and Scenography is also known for its documentation center with a collection specializing in the general history of the performing arts, fashion, costume and performing arts.
