The „Ioan Massoff” Collection is a vital sanctuary of Romanian theatre memory, a living archive that survives in a cultural landscape where care for theatrical heritage is nearly absent. Named after the great historian of Romanian theatre, the collection brings together over 8,000 printed photographs, the largest collection of theatre programs in Romania, and personal archives donated by some of the country’s most iconic theatre artists.
These materials, documenting Romanian theatre from the 1940s to the present, are preserved in optimal conditions and are currently being digitized to ensure long-term access and conservation.
The collection’s future is ambitious: we are building a unified database—“the database to rule them all”—designed to connect and unlock the full potential of these resources. Additionally, we aim to make this archive an essential tool for student education, helping them understand and experience Romanian theatre history beyond the pages of textbooks.
Researchers and enthusiasts are welcome to consult the materials onsite or request access to the digitized versions.