Registration for Historic Monuments 1984 (≈ 1984)
Protection of the building and its drink.
1986
Inauguration of the CNAC
Inauguration of the CNAC 1986 (≈ 1986)
Created by Jack Lang.
4e quart du XIXe siècle
Construction of municipal circus
Construction of municipal circus 4e quart du XIXe siècle (≈ 1987)
Work by architect Louis Gillet.
2015
Opening of the site of La Marnaise
Opening of the site of La Marnaise 2015 (≈ 2015)
Extension of work spaces.
2020
Integrated curriculum in Châlons-en-Champagne
Integrated curriculum in Châlons-en-Champagne 2020 (≈ 2020)
DNSP AC training in three years.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Circus building and former buvette contiguous with its decor (Box BH 187, 200): inscription by order of 8 October 1984
Key figures
Louis Gillet - Architect
Manufacturer of the municipal circus.
Jack Lang - Minister of Culture
Inaugurate the CNAC in 1986.
Origin and history
The Centre national des arts du cirque (CNAC) is a French public institution for higher education and research, created under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture. Inaugurated in 1986 by Jack Lang, it is housed in the former municipal circus of Châlons-en-Champagne, an iconic building built at the end of the 19th century by architect Louis Gillet. This site, classified as a historical monument since 1984, combines architectural heritage and educational innovation in the field of Circassian arts.
CNAC offers high-level training, including the National Advanced Professional Diploma of Circus Artist (DNSP AC), delivered after a three-year course. Since 2020, the entire training has taken place in Châlons-en-Champagne. The institution also collaborates with the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne to offer a double degree in Performing Arts and STAPS, as well as with the Lycée Pierre-Bayen for the Circus Arts option at the Bachelor of Literature.
The municipal circus, designed by Louis Gillet, is an architectural testimony of the Belle-Époque, with its structures adapted to equestrian and acrobatic performances. Since 2015, CNAC has expanded its infrastructure with the nearby La Marnaise site, offering additional work spaces. This place, once occupied by an agricultural cooperative, strengthens the contemporary dimension of the centre while preserving its historical anchor.
In addition to initial training, CNAC develops continuing training activities for circus and live entertainment professionals. He also conducts educational, artistic and technical research, consolidating his national and international reference position in the Circassian arts. The historic building, with its former buvette and its original decorations, remains a symbol of Champagne cultural heritage.
Registration in the Historic Monuments in 1984 helped protect the building, while allowing it to adapt to modern needs. The CNAC thus embodies the encounter between tradition and innovation, perpetuating the legacy of the 19th century circus while training the artists of tomorrow. Its outreach extends beyond the Greater East region through European partnerships and international exchanges.
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