The Comédie-Française is probably the only theatre in the world that is repository of a theatrical heritage spanning over three centuries. The creation of productions, the institution’s first mission, draws from this history, and the works that represent the stars of the Troupe accompany the actors in their everyday work. They rehearse under the gazes of Molière, Rachel and Talma.
Seneca at the Studio-Théâtre, Lars Norén at the Salle Richelieu... the contrasts are stimulating.
The Comédie-Française has always been a house steeped in history and creation while reflecting its time. Between continuity and contemporaneity, or classicism and modernity, it is a Janus-like institution, one that clearly constitutes a “place of memory” for France, but a very living memory. Here, heritage inspires creation and works live with the artists. This mutual enrichment is one of the productive factors of this theatre.
The library-museum is the department that has been dedicated to the memory of the Comédie-Française, its history and the history of the Troupe, for over three centuries. It is responsible for the archival and museum heritage of the theatre.
Its main task is the preservation, enrichment, provision and promotion of the collections in its care. It maintains close links with researchers, academics and, more generally, theatre historians.
Its team also participates in the daily life of the theatre by providing the actors, staff and guest artists with the documentation they need to prepare productions.
The consultation of certain collections requires the authorisation of the curator-archivist, in particular the collection of precious works, the individual folders, large formats and collections awaiting classification. Consulting the artworks and objects requires a specific appointment with the curator-archivist.
The immense collection, which is unique in the world, originated in the small room next to the assembly chamber, which housed the cabinet for keeping the “titles and papers” of the Company. The key to the cabinet was given to the actor in charge of keeping this treasure safe.
The library caters for a specialised public of researchers, theatre professionals and students.
Iconographers, journalists and theatre specialists are accepted subject to justifying that their research warrants the use of the library collections.
Part of the collection is described in inventories and catalogues that may be consulted on site. For other documents, the librarian on duty will provide the necessary information.
Photocopies are possible, except for old documents, or documents that are fragile or in poor condition.
Information is available by phone, post and e-mail.
Sale of old publications in stock (programmes, magazines, etc.).
Consultation on site and by appointment only by calling
+33 1 44 58 13 16 / 13 17
Monday
9:00 am > 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am > 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am > 12:30 pm
98 galerie de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris
bibliotheque-musee@comedie-francaise.org
Closed annually in August and the first fortnight of September
Ouverture des réservations pour les représentations du mois de juillet Salle Richelieu :
En raison du renforcement des mesures de sécurité dans le cadre du plan Vigipirate « Urgence attentat », nous vous demandons de vous présenter 30 minutes avant le début de la représentation afin de faciliter le contrôle.
Nous vous rappelons également qu’un seul sac (de type sac à main, petit sac à dos) par personne est admis dans l’enceinte des trois théâtres de la Comédie-Française. Tout spectateur se présentant muni d’autres sacs (sac de courses, bagage) ou objets encombrants, se verra interdire l’entrée des bâtiments.
