National Center for Costume and Theatrical Design

Project: National Center for Costume and Theatrical Design

Segment: Additional areas, Museum

Country/city: France, Moulins

Architect: Ateliers Adeline Rispal

Installer: Fleury

Photographer: Benjamin Dubuis

Production year: 2020-2023

Enhancing the visitor experience with acoustic design

Located in Moulins, France, the National Center for Costume and Theatrical Design (CNCS) preserves and showcases an extensive collection dedicated to the performing arts. As part of an expansion completed in 2023, the institution created La Scène, a new exhibition space dedicated to theatrical scenography.

Designed by architect and scenographer Adeline Rispal, the space was conceived as an immersive visitor experience. Inspired by the architecture of the former cavalry barracks, she introduced three different ceiling heights to create what she describes as "a progressive sense of opening, just like in a theatre", revealing an impressive perspective as visitors move through the exhibition.

The renovation transformed a historic building into a public venue, which meant that the project had to comply with current acoustic regulations. At the same time, the design team wanted to preserve the architectural character of the space and create an environment where visitors could fully engage with the exhibitions.

To meet these requirements, a modular ceiling solution was selected. While the original ambition was to leave the concrete soffit exposed, acoustic performance considerations led the team to choose Ecophon Focus™ Ds.

According to Adeline Rispal, the solution met both the acoustic and architectural ambitions of the project:

"We chose Ecophon Focus™ Ds ceiling tiles because they are particularly elegant. They don't look like a typical ceiling. I really like the length and the simple dimensions that this solution offers."

The ceiling's concealed grid and clean linear appearance integrate discreetly into the exhibition space while providing excellent sound absorption, helping create a comfortable environment for visitors.

Installation was carried out by the local contractor Fleury, whose team appreciated the flexibility of the system. Suspension cables for lighting could be routed through the ceiling joints without compromising the overall design.

As project lead Rémy Fleury explains:

"It's truly stunning. The product really shines in such a setting and beautifully supports the scenography. It's also an easy solution to work with, something my team of craftsmen can confirm."

Today, La Scène offers visitors an engaging journey into the world of theatrical scenography. With acoustics that comply with current regulations and a ceiling that blends seamlessly into the architecture, the new space is ready to welcome the public while supporting both the exhibition design and the visitor experience.