unique cultural getaway in Paris? Prepare to be dazzled by the Centre Pompidou. In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to visit the Centre Pompidou.
Centre Pompidou: collection and temporary exhibitions await you
The Centre Pompidou is an artistic and cultural center considered a veritable nugget for lovers of contemporary art.
Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, this architectural masterpiece is often referred to as “Our Lady of the Pipes” for its eccentric structure, reminiscent of an industrial ship in an urban setting.
This bold, colorful monument houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, temporary exhibition rooms, a public library, a music research institute and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the City of Light.
This is undoubtedly a place not to be missed on your next visit to the French capital.
Highlights of a visit to the Centre Pompidou
- Exceptional art collection: The Centre Pompidou is proud to house one of the world’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art.
- Frequently changing temporary exhibitions: At the Centre Pompidou, temporary exhibitions change several times a year.
- Unique architecture: its avant-garde design makes it a sight to behold.
- Public library: A haven of peace for book lovers.
Disadvantages of visiting the Centre Pompidou
- The metal exterior is not to everyone’s taste.
- The visit is less pleasant than other Paris museums (heat, limited space, conservation of the premises…).
What can you see at the Centre Pompidou?
The Centre Pompidou surprises. That’s the first reaction of tourists. Tall and metallic, it doesn’t go unnoticed in the Parisian landscape.
Each floor of this building is an adventure in itself. Start your visit with the Musée National d’Art Moderne on the top floor. Here you’ll find an impressive collection of over 100,000 works of art by such greats as Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky.
Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions featuring works by contemporary artists from all over the world. They are numerous and often change. On our visit, there were exhibitions by Germaine Richier and Norman Foster.
After immersing yourself in art, you can head to the public library to relax with a good book or browse the Internet.
If you fancy a break, head of the Georges restaurant on the roof terrace.
How much does admission to the Centre Pompidou cost?
As we’ve seen, there’s a lot to see at the Centre Pompidou. Consequently, you have several types of entrance:
- Day ticket – All exhibitions” (access to all exhibitions for one day): €18
- Collection” admission: €15
- Children’s Gallery + Collection” admission: €15
- Admission including a temporary exhibition and the collection: €17
With these price differences, the day pass that allows you to see all the collections is the most attractive.
Guided tours of the collection or exhibition are available for €4.50.
Check current prices on GetyourGuide.
How long does a visit to the Centre Pompidou last?
A complete visit to the Centre Pompidou lasts between 2 and 4 hours on average.
Where is the Centre Pompidou?
The exact address is Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris.
How do I get to the Centre Pompidou?
If you’re traveling by car, there are several pay parking lots nearby.
For those who prefer public transport, the Centre Pompidou is easily accessible by metro: Rambuteau station (line 11) is the nearest. The Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11) and Châtelet (lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14) stations are also within walking distance.
For the RER, take lines A, B and D and stop at “Châtelet les Halles” station.
The other option is to take the bus. Routes 29, 38, 47 and 75 stop nearby.
What are the opening hours of the Centre Pompidou?
The Centre Pompidou is open every day except Tuesday.
Opening hours are
- Museum + Exhibitions: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Nocturnes: Thursdays until 11 p.m.
- Atelier Brancusi: 2 – 6 p.m.
- Children’s gallery: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Bookshop and Boutique: 11 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Checkouts are open until one hour before closing time.
Book your tickets with free cancellation on GetyourGuide.
My opinion of the Centre Pompidou: is it a good visit?
I’ll be honest about my arrival. I’m more of a lover of classical art and history than I am of modern and contemporary art. The industrial aesthetic of the Centre Pompidou, with its all-metal facade and exposed colored pipes, was a bit disconcerting. There’s something enigmatic, even alien, about the building, which seems to have come straight out of a science-fiction novel. Clearly not my cup of tea.
Inside, things got more complicated. It was hot inside the museum and I didn’t feel that the building was well preserved. However, when I was looking for information to write this article, I discovered that major renovation work over several years is planned. I can see why!
That said, the permanent exhibition was a real treat for me. I loved wandering through the galleries, contemplating works by great masters such as Picasso and Matisse, and discovering new artists. There’s something magical about coming face to face with works you’ve seen in art books.
The temporary exhibition on Norman Foster, on the other hand, left me wanting more. While respecting Foster’s importance in modern architecture, I didn’t find the exhibition particularly captivating. It seemed a little dry and academic, and I regretted the lack of interactivity.
All in all, if you’re a fan of modern and contemporary art, and like bold architecture, the Centre Pompidou is undoubtedly a must-see. But for those who, like me, prefer more traditional art, I’d say the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre are safer choices.
What else can you do near the Centre Pompidou?
Just around the corner from the Centre Pompidou, the surrounding neighborhood has a lot to offer. Here are a few ideas for visits:
- The historic Marais District.
- Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.
- The Town Hall
- The Halles District
- The Sainte-Chapelle
- The Stravinsky Fountain
- The Picasso Museum for even more art and culture
- Musée d’Orsay.
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
