partnerships and scientific projects

Through research programmes, scientific collaborations and projects carried out with leading organisations, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux is developing new insights into its monuments, collections and their decorative elements, whilst contributing to their conservation, restoration and dissemination.

Partnerships to understand the Sainte-Chapelle through its restoration

Since 2025, the Centre des monuments nationaux has been bringing together conservators and researchers in active partnerships to support the restoration of the Sainte-Chapelle. The study of the stained-glass windows, carried out in collaboration with the Centre André Chastel (CNRS/Sorbonne University), aims to analyse their composition, the changes they have undergone over time and their state of preservation, in order to accurately document the history and physical characteristics of the windows.At the same time, the metal structures are undergoing scientific analysis (CNRS/CEA), comparing recent observations with historical data. The characterisation of materials, dating and the study of the framing systems provide a better understanding of the use and application of metal in Gothic architecture.Based on constant and close dialogue between researchers, curators, project managers and conservators, this work forms part of an active partnership that informs restoration decisions and enriches our understanding of the monument.

A partnership for the collections: the Mobilier National

For over a decade, the Centre des monuments nationaux and Mobilier national have developed a fruitful partnership aimed at contributing to the conservation, understanding and promotion of the State’s heritage, whilst offering a fresh perspective on the collections and monuments. The partnership has contributed to the refurnishing of the châteaux of Azay-le-Rideau, Bussy-Rabutin and Rambouillet, as well as the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris. 

The study and selection of works enable long-term deposits and loans to be arranged, as part of scientific and museographic projects carried out in close conjunction with the challenges of conservation, dissemination and promotion. These projects often also draw on the expertise of the Mobilier National’s workshops for the restoration of furniture and textiles prior to their public display.

The partnership also takes the form of collaborations on temporary exhibitions, which create a dialogue between the Mobilier National’s collections and the architecture, décor and history of the sites. In 2026, the exhibitions *Drôles de meubles, ça déménage avec le Mobilier national!* (*Funny Furniture: Moving House with the Mobilier National!*), held at the châteaux of Cadillac and Châteaudun and at the Tours de La Rochelle, provide a fine example of this. On this occasion, works from the ‘Les Aliénés’ collection – which brings together artists, designers and craftspeople to reinterpret antique furniture and the art of living – are on display in these CMN monuments.

These collaborations are based on a synergy with the national monuments, both in terms of collections and craftsmanship.

Architecture and heritage at the heart of the partnership with the École nationale supérieure d’architecture (ENSA) de Belleville

Since 2025, the Centre des monuments nationaux andthe École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-Belleville have been partners within the framework of the ‘Heritage, Experimentation, Projects’ (PEPS) chair, which combines teaching and research on issues relating to heritage.

Each year, students on the DSA ‘Architecture and Heritage’ course, supported by their lecturers and working closely with the CMN’s curators, carry out projects at several sites within the network. In 2026, the selected sites arethe Oppidum of Ensérune, the ramparts of Carcassonne and Gramont Castle. The students’ work focuses in particular on changes in the conditions for managing and operating these monuments, their adaptation to climate and environmental changes, their integration into the wider landscape, and the potential for new uses.

This work results in assessments and intervention scenarios, which may be presented at the monuments in the form of exhibitions or publications. The partnership also includes the organisation of conferences, study days and meetings bringing together students, lecturers, CMN professionals and researchers.

These collaborations enable architectural approaches to be tested against the realities of monument conservation and management and, through students’ work, explore various possibilities for the future development of the sites.

Partnerships for the restoration of works

The Centre des monuments nationaux develops partnerships with training institutions specialising in conservation and restoration, as part of training workshops and educational projects focusing on its collections. These collaborations are carried out in particular withthe Institut de Formation Professionnelle 43 (IFP 43), as part of the cabinet-making workshop-school at the Château d’Aulteribe, and withthe Avignon School of Fine Art (ESAA), in the field of conservation and restoration.

Furniture, objects and works of art are entrusted to students or apprentices to be studied and, where appropriate, restored as part of their training. Selected on the basis of educational objectives, these items undergo a preliminary study, a condition report and a restoration plan, all of which are monitored and approved by the CMN’s collection curators. The restoration work is carried out under the supervision of the teaching staff, in accordance with the principles of conservation and restoration.

This work deepens students’ understanding of the artworks and ensures their long-term preservation, whilst offering future professionals hands-on experience of working on heritage collections.