Centre Pompidou, located in the heart of Paris, is a vibrant cultural hub renowned for its contemporary and modern art. This architectural marvel, primarily designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, houses an extensive collection of 20th and 21st-century art, including works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp. Inside, you'll discover a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. The Centre also hosts temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and live performances, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving cultural destination. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for an enriching experience, Centre Pompidou is a must-visit in Paris. You won't be disappointed!

Plan Your Visit to Centre Pompidou

Quick Facts About Centre Pompidou

Official name: Centre National d'Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Date of opening: January 31st, 1977
Timings: The museum opens from 11 AM to 9 PM (Wednesday to Monday)
Architect: Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, Gianfranco Franchini, Peter Rice, Mike Davies, Su Rogers
Architectural style: Postmodern Architecture, Brutalist Architecture, High-Tech Architecture
Collection size: Over 140,000 pieces of artwork
Function: Museum

Plan Your Visit To Centre Pompidou

Timings

Getting There

Opening hours:

Museum and exhibitions: 11 AM to 9 PM
Galerie des enfants: 11 AM to 7 PM
Nocturnes: 11 AM to 11 PM (on Thursdays)
Boutique and bookshop: 11 AM to 9:45 PM

Closed on: Tuesdays and May 1st

Early closure: December 24th and 31st at 7 PM

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Centre Pompidou is in the morning, shortly after it opens, to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful art-viewing experience.

Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France

Find on Maps

Centre Pompidou is ideally situated in the heart of Paris, in the vibrant Marais district, offering easy access to iconic landmarks, shops, cafes, and cultural attractions.

Nearest landmark: Notre-Dame Cathedral (1.6 km)

Getting to Centre Pompidou

Overview of the Collection at Centre Pompidou

Paintings

Centre Pompidou boasts a remarkable collection of paintings spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. From Picasso's bold Cubist masterpieces to Kandinsky's abstract compositions, you'll encounter diverse artistic styles and movements that redefine the boundaries of traditional art.

Sculptures

Discover a world of three-dimensional artistry with sculptures that challenge conventions. Works by iconic artists like Brancusi and Giacometti beckon with their innovative forms and materials, inviting you to explore the interplay between space and structure.

Multimedia Installations

Immerse yourself in the future of art with multimedia installations that engage all your senses. These dynamic, interactive artworks challenge the boundaries of traditional mediums, offering a truly immersive and contemporary artistic experience.

Drawings

Delve into the intricacies of artistic expression through drawings and prints. This collection showcases the raw creativity of artists, from the precise lines of Matisse's illustrations to the surreal worlds conjured by Dali's graphic prints.

Photography

Explore the power of visual storytelling in the photography section. Iconic images by Henri Cartier-Bresson capture fleeting moments, while contemporary photographers push the boundaries of this medium with thought-provoking narratives.

Design & Architecture

Experience the intersection of art and function in the design and architecture section. Furniture, architectural models, and innovative objects showcase the creativity of designers like Le Corbusier and Eames, illustrating the influence of design on our daily lives.

Performing Arts

Experience the thrill of live performance at Centre Pompidou. From avant-garde theater to experimental dance, the performing arts program invites you to witness the fusion of creativity and human expression.

Highlights at Centre Pompidou

"Blue Monochrome (IKB 3)" by Yves Klein, 1960

Yves Klein's "Blue Monochrome (IKB 3)" is a mesmerizing canvas that encapsulates serene abstraction, embodying his iconic International Klein Blue and the pure essence of artistic simplicity.

"Fountain" by Marcel Duchamp, 1917

Duchamp's "Fountain" provocatively challenges established art norms and shakes the core of the 20th-century art movement with a simple up-turned urinal with the sign of 'Richard Mutt.'

"The Frame" by Frida Kahlo, 1938

Frida Kahlo's "The Frame" intricately weaves surreal self-portraiture with symbolism, providing a captivating glimpse into her enigmatic inner world, where reality and dreams merge in a thought-provoking tableau.

"Harlequin" by Pablo Picasso, 1923

Pablo Picasso's "Harlequin" encapsulates the spirit of Cubism, deconstructing form with a playful nod to the Commedia dell'arte character, inviting viewers to explore the multifaceted nature of artistic perception.

"Untitled – Black, Red over Black and Red" by Mark Rothko, 1964

Mark Rothko's "Untitled" painting beckons contemplation through its layered colors, inviting viewers to delve into the profound emotional depths of abstract expressionism and engage with the mysteries of color and form.

"Hotel" by Sophie Calle, 1981

Sophie Calle's "Hotel" blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction, weaving captivating narratives from the lives of hotel guests through photography and storytelling, challenging perceptions of privacy and voyeurism in a thought-provoking and reflective manner.

History of Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou, inaugurated in 1977, derives its name from President Georges Pompidou. This Parisian institution holds acclaim for its rich modern and contemporary art collection, prominently featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp. Beyond static exhibits, the center hosts dynamic cultural offerings like temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and live performances, fostering a comprehensive artistic experience.

Architecturally distinctive, the building's exterior proudly displays its functional elements, notably colorful pipes and escalators. This iconic feature grants visitors panoramic views of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.

Centre Pompidou is a must-visit cultural hub, a testament to the convergence of art, history, and innovation.

Who Built Centre Pompidou?

Renzo Piano

Renzo Piano, one-half of the brilliant architectural duo behind Centre Pompidou, possesses a penchant for light and form that redefines spaces. His audacious "inside-out" design philosophy, showcased at the Pompidou, revolutionized museum architecture. Piano's genius extends beyond this iconic masterpiece, with projects like The Shard in London and The Whitney Museum in New York.

Richard Rogers

Richard Rogers, the other half of the visionary team responsible for Centre Pompidou, is renowned for his innovative approach. His obsession with architecture that serves the people was manifest in Pompidou's "inside-out" concept, challenging norms and earning global acclaim. Rogers' influence can be seen in landmarks like the Lloyd's Building in London and the Millennium Dome.

Gianfranco Franchini

Gianfranco Franchini, a structural engineering maestro, was pivotal in creating Centre Pompidou. His expertise breathed life into Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers' daring vision. Franchini's mastery of materials and structures ensured that the iconic "inside-out" architectural concept could stand tall and proud in the heart of Paris.

Peter Rice

Peter Rice, an engineering genius, added his brilliance to the team behind Centre Pompidou. His innovative engineering solutions were crucial to the realization of the project. Rice's imaginative thinking and structural expertise helped bring the audacious design to life, turning a bold vision into an architectural masterpiece.

Mike Davies

Mike Davies, the project manager extraordinaire, was the guiding force behind Centre Pompidou's construction. His meticulous planning and organizational skills ensured that the complex endeavor proceeded smoothly. Davies played a vital role in orchestrating the collaboration among the architects and engineers, contributing significantly to the project's success.

Su Rogers

Su Rogers, an essential part of the creative team, brought a unique artistic perspective to Centre Pompidou's design. Her creative input and innovative ideas added depth to the architectural vision. Su Rogers' influence extended beyond her role as an architect, contributing to the project's artistic and aesthetic dimensions, making it more than just a structural marvel.

Architecture of Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou is a striking example of High-tech architecture and a renowned landmark in Paris. This architectural marvel, now 46 years old, was built between 1971 and 1977 by architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, and their team.

Its distinctive design is characterized by exposed structural elements, including colorful pipes and escalators on the exterior. This inside-out approach reflects the principles of High-tech architecture, emphasizing functionality, technology, and transparency.

The building's innovative features, like the escalators offering panoramic city views, have made it a cultural icon. Centre Pompidou's groundbreaking design and integration of art and technology have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and continue to captivate visitors from around the globe.