National center for theatrical costume and design, Fashion museum in Moulins, France
The National Center for Theatrical Costume and Design is a museum in Moulins housed in a carefully restored building with three monumental staircases. The facility holds over 10,000 costumes from French institutions including the Paris Opera and Comédie Française, alongside specialized textile restoration rooms and a documentation center on the ground floor.
The center opened in 2006 inside former cavalry barracks dating from the Louis XV era, after architect François Voinchet completed extensive restoration work following World War II damage. This rehabilitation preserved the original structure while incorporating modern functions for costume conservation and display.
The museum holds costumes from major French theaters and shows how stage garments reflect the history of French theatrical tradition. Visitors can observe how this collection represents the artistic heritage that shaped French performing arts.
The museum occupies an accessible building with well-organized exhibition spaces that allow visitors to explore comfortably. There is adequate seating and space to view the collection and consult documentation materials at a relaxed pace.
The museum holds the complete collection of 70 costumes from the renowned dancer Rudolf Nureyev, a rarity in European theater history. This wardrobe documents the artistic career of one of the most significant figures in 20th century ballet.
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