What to see at the Centre Pompidou?

The Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture, commonly known as the Centre Pompidou, established in the heart of Paris, is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the world. Known for its exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art, it embodies France's ambition to maintain Paris as a major hub of contemporary art on the international stage. This multidisciplinary institution, often nicknamed "Beaubourg" by locals, harmoniously merges visual arts, literature, music, performing arts, and cinema under one roof.

Centre Pompidou

From 15 € (or £12.60)

From £12.60 (or 15 €)

In May 2023, it was announced that the Centre Pompidou would close its doors for a renovation period scheduled from late 2023 to early 2027. This closure, spanning a duration of 5 years, aims to preserve and modernize this important cultural monument.

History and design

The project of the Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture was rooted in the visionary spirit of President Georges Pompidou. A great lover of modern art, he wished to create a revolutionary cultural institution in the heart of Paris, entirely dedicated to modern and contemporary creation. This initiative was part of a dual objective to reinforce Paris's status as a major capital of contemporary art while opening French creation to the world and promoting the expression of new artistic forms.

The architectural design of the Centre Pompidou was as bold as its cultural objective. In 1971, the innovative design by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers was chosen from 681 proposals, marking a turning point in French architecture. For the first time in France, international architects were allowed to participate in such a competition. This choice represented a "great deal" between radical architecture and established policy, symbolized by the confrontation between President Pompidou, elegantly dressed, and the "young shaggy crew" of architects at the announcement.

Architecture and urban impact

The architecture of the Centre Pompidou, designed in the mid-1970s, stands out for its avant-garde style and its unique integration into the Beaubourg district. Designed as an open and interactive space, the building reflects a revolutionary approach, where the structure and technical systems are visible from the outside, creating a unique and recognizable aesthetic. This bold choice has sparked both admiration and controversy, becoming an iconic landmark and a topic of discussion in the world of architecture.

The Centre Pompidou is not limited to its architecture; it also plays a crucial role in animating its urban environment. The Place Georges-Pompidou, located in front of the center, has become a lively public space, integrating art and culture into the daily lives of Parisians and visitors. This dynamic place reflects the interaction between the architecture of the Centre and the surrounding urban fabric, offering a concrete example of how a public space can emerge and evolve in a city.

Walkways of the Centre Pompidou in Paris

Collections and exhibitions

The Centre Pompidou, through its vast collections and varied exhibitions, offers a fascinating journey through modern and contemporary art.

The National Museum of Modern Art

The National Museum of Modern Art, located within the Centre Pompidou, is renowned for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, one of the most significant in the world. This collection reflects the richness and diversity of 20th and 21st-century art, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the major artistic movements of these eras.

Centre Pompidou

From 15 € (or £12.60)

From £12.60 (or 15 €)

Current temporary exhibitions

The Centre Pompidou, always at the forefront of contemporary creation, hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions. Each of these exhibitions offers a unique perspective on specific aspects of modern and contemporary art, reflecting the diversity and richness of artistic expressions.

« Over the Rainbow » (from June 28 to November 13, 2023): this avant-garde exhibition addresses the representation of so-called "minority" sexualities in art since the early 20th century, highlighting the struggles of LGBTQIA+ communities for the recognition of their rights.

« Picasso: Drawing to Infinity » (from October 18, 2023, to January 15, 2024): marking the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso's passing, this retrospective focuses on the central role of drawing in the artist's work, presenting nearly a thousand pieces.

« Body to Body: History(ies) of Photography » (from September 6, 2023, to March 25, 2024): this exhibition, featuring over 350 photographs, offers a unique perspective on photographic representations of humanity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

« Gilles Aillaud: Political Animal » and « Chagall at Work: Drawings, Ceramics, and Sculptures 1945-1970 » (from October 4, 2023, to February 26, 2024): these exhibitions respectively celebrate the work of Gilles Aillaud, marked by political themes, and the creations of Marc Chagall, including drawings, ceramics, and sculptures from 1945 to 1970.

« Marcel Duchamp Prize 2023: The Nominees » (from October 4, 2023, to January 8, 2024): this exhibition highlights the artists nominated for the Marcel Duchamp Prize 2023, a prestigious award in French contemporary art. It offers an overview of current trends and emerging talents in contemporary art in France.

« Capital Image: New Technologies and Economies of Photography » (from September 27, 2023, to February 26, 2024): this exhibition explores the impact of new technologies on photography and how they shape the economy of the image in the contemporary context.

These diverse and enriching exhibitions perfectly illustrate the spirit of innovation and discovery that animates the Centre Pompidou, inviting visitors to explore new artistic and cultural perspectives.

Upcoming temporary exhibitions

Looking to the future, the Centre Pompidou continues to surprise and inspire with its upcoming temporary exhibition program. These future exhibitions promise to offer visitors new artistic experiences, blending tradition and innovation, and reflecting the Centre's mission to constantly renew itself and explore the boundaries of contemporary art.

« Posy Simmonds: Drawing Literature » (from November 22, 2023, to April 1, 2024): this free exhibition at the Bpi*, level 2, celebrates the British comic book author Posy Simmonds. Known for her graphic novels and press drawings, the exhibition brings together 130 original pieces, offering an immersion into her world where keen observation, social critique, and a passion for literature intertwine.
« Brancusi: Art Is Just Beginning » (from March 27 to July 1, 2024): this exhibition pays tribute to Constantin Brancusi, the father of modern sculpture. Nearly two hundred sculptures, photographs, drawings, films, and archives will be displayed, including a reconstruction of the artist's studio, showcasing his unique approach to artistic creation.
« The Childhood of Design » (from April 24 to August 12, 2024): this exhibition explores children's furniture and its evolution throughout the 20th century. It presents a hundred works, highlighting how the greatest designers have approached design intended for children, with aesthetic and playful objects, opening new creative perspectives.

These upcoming exhibitions illustrate the diversity and richness of the Centre Pompidou's programming, highlighting its ongoing commitment to art in all its forms.

* Public Information Library

Practical information

Purchase tickets for the Centre Pompidou

Compare and get the best price by purchasing your tickets for the Centre Pompidou from one of our partners:

Centre Pompidou

From 15 € (or £12.60)

From £12.60 (or 15 €)

The Centre Pompidou is included in the list of museums covered by the Paris Museum Pass.

Centre Pompidou opening hours

The Centre Pompidou (museum and exhibitions) is open all year round:

From Wednesday to Monday: 11 am to 9 pm (ticket counters close 1 hour before closing)
On December 24 and 31: 11 am to 7 pm

The Children's Gallery is open from 11 am to 7 pm, and the bookstore and shop from 11 am to 9:45 pm.

Late-night openings are organized every Thursday until 11 pm in the exhibition spaces on level 6 (galleries 1 and 2).

The exhibition spaces and museum are evacuated 10 minutes before closing. The Centre is closed every Tuesday and on May 1st.

These hours may vary on public holidays or for special events. It is advisable to check the updated hours on the official Centre Pompidou website before your visit. On the first Sunday of each month, access to the permanent collection and the Children's Gallery is free for everyone.

Public Information Library opening hours

The Public Information Library (Bpi) is open all year round:

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 12 pm to 10 pm
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 10 am to 10 pm
On December 25 and January 1: 12 pm to 10 pm

The Bpi is closed on Tuesdays.

Getting there

The Centre Pompidou is located at the following address: 19, rue Beaubourg, 75004 Paris.

For access, public transport is certainly the most practical option:

By metro: via lines 11 (Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, and Châtelet stations), 1 (Hôtel de Ville and Châtelet stations), 4 (Châtelet station), and 7 (Châtelet station).
By RER: via lines A, B, and D (Châtelet Les Halles station)
By bus: several bus lines also serve the area, including lines 29, 38, 47, and 75.
By Vélib: using stations no. 4020 (opposite 27, rue Quincampoix), no. 3014 (opposite 34, rue Grenier Saint-Lazare), and no. 3010 (46, rue Beaubourg).

A parking lot is nevertheless available nearby (31, rue Beaubourg) for those who prefer to travel by car. Reserve your parking space at negotiated rates without reservation fees on parkingsdeparis.com, partner of the Centre Pompidou.

Cultural influence and outreach

The Centre Pompidou is not just a museum; it is a major player on the global cultural scene. Its creation responded to a pressing need to revitalize Paris as an essential hub of contemporary art, competing with cities like New York. This ambition was reflected in a bold program and an openness to different forms of contemporary creation, aiming to reconnect contemporary art with a wide audience.

The vision of Georges Pompidou, combined with the revolutionary architecture and exceptional collections of the Centre, has helped shape the artistic and cultural landscape, not only in Paris but also on a global scale. The Centre Pompidou has thus become a symbol of cultural innovation and interdisciplinarity, influencing other institutions and artistic movements around the world.

Centre Pompidou

From 15 € (or £12.60)

From £12.60 (or 15 €)

The Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture represents much more than just a museum or an art gallery. It embodies a bold cultural vision, blending modern and contemporary art, innovative architecture, and a dynamic program that has left an indelible mark on the global cultural scene.

With the temporary closure for renovation from late 2023 to early 2027, the Centre Pompidou is preparing for a new era, promising to continue inspiring, educating, and amazing future generations.

Nearby

After exploring the wonders of the Centre Pompidou, why not discover other cultural and historical sites nearby? Here is a selection of must-see places to enrich your Parisian experience:

Musée des Arts Décoratifs: This Parisian museum aims to promote applied fine arts and develop the links between industry and culture. It houses one of the world's most important collections of decorative arts.
Canal Saint-Martin: This 4.55 km long canal offers a picturesque and historical walk through the 10th and 11th arrondissements of Paris, with its locks and drawbridges.
Musée Grévin: This Parisian wax museum features more than 500 realistic figures of world-famous celebrities, in a uniquely designed building.
Place de la Bastille: The historic square where the Bastille prison once stood is now a gathering place for cultural and political events.
Sergeant Paper: This space is a contemporary art gallery, ideal for lovers of original and innovative works.
Boulevard Saint-Germain: This boulevard offers a unique experience with its fashion boutiques, bookstores, and food shops, blending history and modernity.
The Stravinsky Fountain: Close to the Centre Pompidou, this fountain, created in 1983 by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle, offers an artistic transition between the center and the Gothic church of Saint-Merri.
Saint-Merri Church: A magnificent example of flamboyant Gothic, located in the Beaubourg district. It houses notable artworks and impressive furnishings.
Maubuée Fountain: This historic fountain is a remarkable example of medieval Parisian architecture, offering a glimpse into the city's history.
The alleys of the Beaubourg district: Stroll along rue Saint-Martin, rue Saint-Merri and discover old buildings with remarkable architectural details.
Saint-Jacques Tower: This isolated bell tower, 52 meters high, offers an exceptional view of Paris. It was the Parisian starting point of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP): This cultural center is dedicated to French and international photography. With its varied exhibitions, it is a must for photography enthusiasts.
Anne Frank Garden: A place of tranquility and reflection, dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank. It is a peaceful green space, ideal for recharging after a visit to the Centre Pompidou.

This non-exhaustive list offers a diverse overview of the cultural and historical richness of the Centre Pompidou district, ranging from contemporary art and photography to spaces of historical reflection and tranquility. Each site has its unique story to tell, contributing to the unforgettable experience of a visit to Paris.