“Collections à la demande.” Does this sound intriguing? Here at the Centre de conservation et de ressources du Mucem, or CCR, that’s exactly what we offer.
Welcome to the heart of preservation. Welcome to the CCR. This building is not just a storage facility. It is a treasure trove of Mediterranean culture. It is a place where history comes to life.
The Centre de conservation et de ressources du Mucem is home to an astounding collection. We hold nearly 250,000 objects. There are also 130,000 prints and drawings. You will find 450,000 photographs too. The collection includes nearly 100,000 books and periodicals. We also have paper, sound, and audiovisual archives. These items represent a rich heritage. They come from the Musée national des arts et traditions populaires. Some come from the Musée de l’Homme. Since the early 2000s, the collection has grown. We have added around 20,000 objects. These are from the Mediterranean area.
Imagine walking through 8,000 square meters of reserves. This space holds invaluable artifacts. The CCR is meticulously designed. It ensures the safety and conservation of these items. The building spans 13,000 square meters in total. It stands in the Belle de Mai district. This is not far from the Saint-Charles train station.
Here at the Centre de conservation et de ressources du Mucem, studying the collections is key. Our scientific teams work diligently. Researchers and students also use our resources. The public benefits from a 330-square-meter documentation area. Here, one can consult various materials.
Restoration is a vital function at the CCR. We have several workshops. These accommodate both our restorers and external experts. Any new acquisitions by the museum also come here.
But the CCR is more than just conservation. It is also about sharing. All our collections are available for on-site consultation. We even have a small temporary exhibition hall. It is 100 square meters. Here, guest curators have “carte blanche.” They offer fresh perspectives on our collections. A specially designed reserve allows public access upon request. This covers 950 square meters. We also actively lend and deposit items to partner museums. These are both in France and abroad. The MuCEM is a major lender in the French heritage landscape.
The architecture of the CCR is striking. Corinne Vezzoni designed the building. It was delivered in August 2012. The building sits on a former military site. This was once the caserne de Muy. The design reflects the nearby industrial masses. It stands as a bold, compact monolith.
Vezzoni drew inspiration from Eduardo Chillida’s sculptures. The rough concrete shell is a dominant feature. It is textured and irregular. The concrete is colored in its mass. Cuts and excavations reveal smooth, white concrete within. This creates a bright interior. The offices face the park. This provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the city noise.
Inside, the collections are spread across three levels. These reserves follow strict conservation standards. Temperature and humidity are carefully controlled. The reserves are divided into modules. This allows us to organize collections by size and material. Some require specific climatic conditions. Four small “low temperature” reserves hold the most sensitive objects.
Visiting the Centre de conservation et de ressources du Mucem is an experience. You can explore the four public spaces. There is an object consultation room available by request. A reading room provides access to archives and the library. The temporary exhibition hall always offers something new. Then, there are the reserves themselves. These give a glimpse into the museum’s vast holdings. This includes an 800-square-meter “apartment-witness.”
So come explore the CCR. Discover the treasures within. Experience “collections à la demande.” You will leave with a deeper appreciation. You will understand the work that goes into preserving our cultural heritage.