The Centre Pompidou is the radical "inside-out" landmark designed by Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini, with its structural beams, pipes and escalators pulled onto the exterior and colour-coded. Opened in 1977 in the Beaubourg quarter, it houses the Musee National d'Art Moderne, Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Duchamp and Brancusi, alongside the Bpi public library and the IRCAM music-research institute. The building closed on 22 September 2025 for a five-year renovation and is due to reopen in 2030; in the meantime its "Constellation" programme spreads exhibitions across the Grand Palais, the new Maison Pompidou, Centre Pompidou-Metz and partner venues worldwide.
Visitor Information
- How much does Centre Pompidou cost?
- Ticket prices for Centre Pompidou change by season and by exhibition. Main building closed for renovation until 2030; off-site 'Constellation' exhibitions are individually ticketed.. See the museum's website for the current rates and any concessions.
- What are the opening hours of Centre Pompidou?
- Centre Pompidou is open Main building closed for major renovation until 2030 (closed 22 September 2025). Programme continues off-site across Paris and beyond.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Centre Pompidou?
- Centre Pompidou is located at Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France, in the Beaubourg, 4th arrondissement area of Paris. The nearest stations are Rambuteau (Metro Line 11), Hotel de Ville (Metro Lines 1, 11), Chatelet-Les Halles (RER A/B/D).
- What can I see at Centre Pompidou?
- Bold inside-out landmark by Piano and Rogers, home to Europe's largest modern art collection. Closed for renovation until 2030. Current highlights include Matisse, 1941-1954, Hilma af Klint, Cezanne et nous (Cezanne and Us).
- Do I need to book Centre Pompidou in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Centre Pompidou?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.