The Renaud-Barrault Library - the resource centre of the Théâtre national de l'Odéon - is dedicated to the memory of the Odéon and its architectural and artistic history.
As such, it keeps performance photographs, video recordings, press reviews, programs and posters and all other archives related to performances, and has done so systematically since 1983, the date of creation of the Théâtre de l'Europe.
It also holds many old documents.
⇒ The Odeon archives prior to 1970 are mainly kept at the National Archives (series n° 55 AJ).
⇒ From 1970 to 1983 they were kept in the Department of Performing Arts of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and the Comédie-Française, but also in the National Archives for the administrative archives.
In addition to the theatre's archives, the library provides free access to approximately 8,000 printed publications on drama subject.
A large part of these books come from the library of Jean-Louis Barrault and Madeleine Renaud's public sale in 1995.
The library is also developing a collection dedicated to the history of European theatre, its authors and directors.
It is open to researchers, students, directors, and more generally to anyone with specific research to be carried out concerning the history of the Odeon. It also guides researchers through the complex history of the theatre's archives, and within its various preservation sites.
Access:
The library is only accessible by appointment,
Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm.
The entrance is via 2 rue Corneille, under the arcades of the theatre.
Some information may also be obtained by telephone or e-mail.
Photocopies are possible, except for fragile documents.
The video consultation station is intended for a single person, with a headset.
Contact:
Juliette Caron
tel: +33 1 44 85 40 40 12
juliette.caron@theatre-odeon.fr