Centre Pompidou, Paris
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Pompidou Center - by Gerhard Bögner from Pixabay
Description
The Centre Pompidou, often called Musée Beaubourg due to its location, is the French National Museum of Modern Art. It also houses the Public Information Library and a centre for music and acoustic research. The building has a very distinctive "high tech architecture" design and was named after President Georges Pompidou (1969-74) who commissioned the building. The whole design concept was very ground-breaking and not everybody immediately rallied to it, but it is nowadays considered a must see in the city. The building is essentially "inside-out" with all the systems and infrastructure (such as the ventilation and water pipes) exposed on the outside in a colour-coded fashion
Access & Transport
The Rambuteau (11) métro station is next to the building and another 3 stations are within a 5mins walk: Châtelet–Les Halles (RER A / B / D), Châtelet (1, 4, 7, 11, 14) and Hôtel de Ville (1, 11). There is also a bus stop on the southeaster corner, on Rue du Renard. The car park entrance is at 31 Rue Beaubourg
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommended combining this activity with a visit of Le Marais neighbourhood, including lunch or dinner there.
Environmental & Social
We have no accurate data and even though some investment has been done during the last 20 years, the building was not designed with energy efficiency in mind. Socially we deem this activity marginally positive as it helps spread culture and the arts but also for its positive economic impact on the neighbourhood.
Conclusion
The Pompidou Centre has excellent contemporary and modern art enclosed in a very original building. If you enjoy art pieces from this period or are not sure, then you should check it out. If you do not, then it is unlikely you will change your mind so better allocate your time elsewhere.
Key positive
Excellent collection of modern and contemporary art
Very central location
Different building design and internal layout / spaces
Key negative
The building is starting to show its age
Content and design are a little polarizing - not for everyone
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but children are unlikely to find a visit there interesting Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Monday11:00 - 21:00
Tuesday -
Wednesday11:00 - 21:00
Thursday11:00 - 21:00
Friday11:00 - 21:00
Saturday11:00 - 21:00
Sunday11:00 - 21:00