The existing display cases, entirely black and relatively imposing, created a strong visual framework. The challenge was therefore to work subtly within this architecture while introducing depth, colour and rhythm to a collection of predominantly two-dimensional archival material — posters, drawings, books, manuscripts and record sleeves.

To achieve this, we developed a modular display system structured across three layers.

The main system consists of two levels of rails, attached directly to the existing structure of the display cases. At the back, coloured panels in various sizes can be suspended to structure the composition and bring rhythm to the space. On a second layer, documents are displayed in custom-made acrylic frames, allowing them to stand away from the background and creating a greater sense of depth.

In the foreground, a series of anthracite grey powder-coated perforated steel plinths, produced in a range of sizes, completes the composition and provides supports for books and objects.

Together, these three layers form a flexible system that the library team can easily reconfigure from one exhibition to the next according to the material on display, playing with depth, height, scale and colour.

To bring a more dynamic dimension to the overall experience, we also developed a series of optical devices, including magnifying lenses and mirrors, designed to draw attention to specific texts, details and graphic elements within the manuscripts and documents on display.

Finally, a custom-made rotating platform was designed to bring an original praxinoscope from the collection back into motion, allowing visitors to rediscover its animation principle.