The National Conservatory of Dramatic Art finally classified as a historic monument!

Sunday 01st December 2024 02:30 PM

National Conservatory of Dramatic Art (former Music Conservatory) is finally classified as a historic monument, moreover in its entirety, including its Art Deco staircases (ill. 1). If we unfortunately lose certain heritage battles, this one therefore enters into those that we have won.

1. An Art Deco staircase at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art,

classified as a historic monument in 2024

Photo : Didier Rykner

See the image on his page

Let's remember what it was about: in September 2018, we published a first article to denounce the threats weighing on this monument. If the theater (ill. 2), built in 1811 then remodeled during the 19th century, was rightly classified since 1921, the rest of the building (ill. 3 and 4), yet just as important both historically and artistically (see also here), did not benefit from any protection. And the whole was threatened with sale by the Ministry of Culture due to the planned regrouping in the Cité du théâtre which was to be built in the Batignolles district.

2. The theater of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art,

classified as a historic monument in 1921

Photo : Didier Rykner

See the image on his page

Although protection as historical monuments was considered by the DRAC Île-de-France in 2011, this did not come to fruition. Registration was nevertheless finally obtained in 2019 during a visit to the Regional Heritage and Architecture Commission, and largely thanks to our articles. But the reluctance of the Ministry of Culture regarding the classification was a little too visible (see the brief of 4/7/19): it was in fact the representative of the DRAC who had voted against this wish for classification! He feared that it would reduce the sale price, which is still paradoxical for an administration in charge of the protection of historic monuments (see the article). We had confirmation of this blockage from the ministry, which we wrote in this article. And the ministry still slowed down for at least two years.

3. Hall of Columns of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art

classified as a historic monument in 2024

Photo : Didier Rykner

See the image on his page

4. François-Frédéric Lemot (1771-1827)

Plaster reliefs from the staircase of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art

Classified as a historic monument in 2024

Photo : Didier Rykner

See the image on his page

It is therefore Rachida Dati, whom we contacted on this subject a few months ago and who confirmed to us that she would do so, who finally obtained this long-awaited ranking.

Readers of The Art Tribune know that we only judge actions. And if we disagree with the Minister of Culture on certain matters, in particular on the essential one of the stained glass windows of Notre-Dame, it remains obvious that many heritage files are progressing favorably thanks to her voluntary action. The classification of the Conservatory and the protection of other monuments to come [1]we hope so at least (the registration of the Palais de Caillot before its classification, the classification of the Eiffel Tower, etc.), was added a few days ago the opinion of the ABF on the Cour du Bel- Air, largely due to its action (see the news item from 11/26/23). And the protection of Paris as a whole is progressing: on December 5, the first meeting of the committee in charge of implementing reasoned protection of Paris will take place, in particular with the help of Remarkable Heritage Sites, in conjunction with UNESCO ( and obviously involving the City of Paris). We will soon return in more detail to this essential project.

Some accuse Rachida Dati of pursuing a policy with a view to her candidacy for mayor of Paris. We will first recall that the role of a Minister of Culture is to protect heritage, and that that of Paris is particularly threatened. And if the defense of Parisian heritage becomes an argument for being elected in Paris, we can only rejoice.

We will also take advantage of this victory to emphasize that The Art Tribunealongside heritage protection associations, contributes to its defense. Articles related to this commitment are freely available to everyone, but the information comes at a cost. Subscriptions are an essential resource for us: by subscribing, you have access to the entire site, including the archives since 2003, and you help us in these fights. Until December 31, 2024, the one-year subscription is exceptionally priced at €60 instead of €80, and those who are already subscribers can offer a subscription for €50. You will find all the details on this subscription page.