Centre des monuments nationaux
The Centre des monuments nationaux is a French government body which conserves, restores, and manages historic buildings and sites which are the property of the French state. It is run by the Ministry for Culture and Communication.
The CMN is responsible for the upkeep of around 85 monuments, ranging from the prehistoric megaliths at Carnac, medieval fortifications such as the towers at La Rochelle, and Renaissance châteaux such as Azay-le-Rideau, to Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye. The CMN is also responsible for making these monuments accessible to the public, and promoting understanding of the heritage they represent through publishing books and guides, under the imprint Éditions du patrimoine. During 2008, the CNM sites had a total of nearly 8.5 million visitors.
The CMN had an annual budget of €120 million for 2009, which was mainly derived from its own sales, as well as from donations and a subsidy from the Ministry of Culture and Communication. The organisation is based at the Hôtel de Sully in Paris.
