Centre Pompidou (Pompidou Centre of Art and Culture), Paris

Centre Pompidou (Pompidou Centre of Art and Culture), Paris

Almost half a century after its completion, the Pompidou Centre in Paris still continues to impress onlookers with its uncompromising aesthetics. Equally praised and criticized for its resemblance to an oil refinery or steel plant, this building leaves no one indifferent and is remarkably fresh in its appearance. Apart from the aesthetics, as an institution the Pompidou Centre has proven overwhelmingly successful, largely exceeding expectations in terms of both staffing and attendance.

Just as the name suggests, the center owes its existence to France's modernist-minded president Georges Pompidou who envisioned a "major museum for contemporary art in all its forms". In the more traditional terms, that meant accommodating collections of the French National Museum of Modern Art, the largest of its kind in Europe.

The venue is beautifully designed, spacious, and on top of that, treats visitors to some truly marvelous views of Paris. Instead of being a marble-clad palace of culture, it appears more like a "supermarket" of artistry, in which the building acts merely as a container, indifferent to what goes on within, and fit to adapt to various uses. Creating such a building, the architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers sought to produce a neutral setting for all sorts of cultural happenings. Just like a supermarket, it is open to all and neutral in its approach to the consumers (audience) and the actual "goods on display" (artworks) alike.

This peculiar approach has proven successful thus far, evident in the multitude of exhibitions, both permanent and rotating, held at the center, encompassing a wide range of art forms by both acclaimed and emerging artists, spanning from modern to contemporary, and including some delightfully eccentric creations.

Tip:
Similar to many art museums in France, the bookstore and shop at this location are excellent, so check them out. Additionally, the restaurant on the top floor offers an incredible dining experience, although it can be quite pricey. Nevertheless, it is well worth indulging in as a special treat.
For enthusiasts of Constantin Brancusi's work, there is a unique opportunity to closely engage with his creations. Adjacent to the main building, a replica studio of Brancusi has been recreated, allowing visitors to explore his artistic process. This atelier is accessible free of charge from 2pm to 6pm every day, except on Tuesdays.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Centre Pompidou (Pompidou Centre of Art and Culture) on Map

Sight Name: Centre Pompidou (Pompidou Centre of Art and Culture)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Paris, France

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour

Le Marais Walking Tour

The district known to locals as "Le Marais" used to be a bourgeois area in the past and a major center of the Paris Jewish community that still exists today. Here, you will find different bookshops specializing in Jewish books, restaurants with traditional Jewish food and a synagogue. As one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, it also has no shortage of narrow medieval streets,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour

Eiffel Tower Walking Tour

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is the most affluent and prestigious residential area in France, home to world-famous Eiffel Tower and the French upper class alongside a number of French national institutions, government offices and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood boasts typically Parisian architecture complete with vibrant cafés, restaurants and gourmet shops which draw foodies...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I

Paris Introduction Walking Tour I

The capital of France takes its name from the Celtic tribe of Parisii who, back in the Iron Age, around the 3rd century BC, settled near the river Seine. The Romans conquered the Parisii and established on their land a garrison town which, towards the end of the 5th century AD, fell to the Franks and flourished under their rule. Despite wars, revolutions and numerous social cataclysms, Paris had...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

From the Louvre to the Notre-Dame Cathedral to Place de la Bastille, the evolution of Paris and its history is literally visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the city, as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.

This walk is centered around Île de la Cité and Le Marais, which together form the historical core of power in Paris....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

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