This special exhibition is dedicated to the life and work of the legendary dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev (1938 – 1993). It will showcase more than 80 costumes and 50 photographs from the dancer’s personal collection, entrusted to the Centre national du costume de scène, France, by the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, and will incorporate key loans from active ballet companies.

The Soviet-born Nureyev was a rising star in his native country before he defected to France in 1961. He was soon recognized worldwide as the most magnificent and charismatic dancer of his time. Incredibly driven, he traveled the world to work with leading figures in the dance world in order to absorb their techniques and to promote Soviet dance. Nureyev loved sumptuous shows and was particular about his costumes, often imposing changes and improvements. The costumes on view expose the wear and tear of daily use, bearing witness to the lives and bodies of Nureyev and his partners Margot Fonteyn, Noella Pontois and so many others.