Frequently Asked Questions about Centre Pompidou
Frequently Asked Questions about Centre Pompidou
Explore answers to the most frequently asked questions about Centre Pompidou on this page. From general inquiries to transportation and practical tips, find quick and comprehensive answers to ensure your Centre Pompidou experience is seamless and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou, officially known as the National Center of Art and Culture Georges-Pompidou or CNAC, is a famous art and culture hub in Paris, France. It is all about modern and contemporary art, as well as promoting culture and innovation.
The cost of a Centre Pompidou ticket varies depending on whether it is a standalone entrance ticket or if you opt for a guided tour. For detailed pricing information, please refer to our tickets and tours section.
The Centre Pompidou accommodates the National Museum of Modern Art, showcasing an extensive selection of modern and contemporary art, such as pieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, and others.
>> Find more details in our dedicated page: Inside Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is usually open every day from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM, except for Tuesdays when it is closed.
Photography is typically allowed for personal use at Centre Pompidou; however, it is crucial to follow the exhibition areas’ specific regulations and guidelines. Generally, using flash photography is not permitted.
The Centre Pompidou is conveniently situated in the heart of Paris, specifically in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring the city. The address of Centre Pompidou is: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France.
>> Read More: Centre Pompidou Location, Directions, and Traveler Tips
Yes, the Centre Pompidou ticket gives you access to the museum and the public library.
Centre Pompidou is renowned for its unique architecture, its vast collection of modern and contemporary art, and its panoramic views of Paris from the rooftop.
Absolutely, Centre Pompidou is highly recommended for a visit. It is not only a treasure trove for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts but also a striking architectural landmark. Since its opening in 1977, the center has captivated visitors with its extensive art collection and its unconventional and radical architectural design, challenging traditional norms. The exterior of the building itself is a work of art, with exposed structural elements and a vibrant color scheme.
Moreover, the panoramic views of Paris from the rooftop are spectacular, providing a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The combination of innovative art, architectural significance, and the opportunity to enjoy the cityscape from the top makes Centre Pompidou a must-visit destination in Paris.
Centre Pompidou is located in the 4th arrondissement, at the Place Georges-Pompidou. You can reach the iconic building easily by following means of public transport:
- By metro
Line 11: Rambuteau station and 3 minutes on foot
Lines 1, 4, 7, 14: Châtelet station and 8 minutes on foot
Line 1: Hôtel de Ville Châtelet station and 8 minutes on foot
- By RER
Lines A, B, D: Châtelet Les Halles station and 7 minutes on foot
- By bus
Line 29: Centre Georges Pompidou stop and 3 minutes on foot
Lines 38, 75: Centre Georges Pompidou stop and 2 minutes on foot
Lines 67, 69, 72: Châtelet stop and 6 minutes on foot
Lines 47, 74, 76, 85: Châtelet stop and 8 minutes on foot
Line 75: La Verrerie stop and 8 minutes on foot
Lines 66, 70, 76, 96: Hôtel de Ville and 8 minutes on foot
>> Read More: Centre Pompidou Location, Directions, and Traveler Tips
The most visually striking aspect of Centre Pompidou is its inside-out architectural design. Architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers placed functional elements, such as escalators, elevators, and utility pipes, on the exterior of the building. This unconventional approach challenged traditional architectural norms and sparked significant discussions about the relationship between form and function. The building’s exoskeleton is adorned with vibrant colors, including blue, red, yellow, and green. Each color corresponds to a specific function within the building, such as air conditioning, electricity, water circuits, and pedestrian flow.
When Centre Pompidou was inaugurated in 1977, its inside-out design, with functional elements like escalators and pipes exposed on the exterior, challenged traditional architectural norms. This led to both admiration and criticism. Some praised the building for its innovative and avant-garde approach, while others found its appearance disruptive and unconventional. Some critics called it an “eyesore”, a “contradiction to French architectural heritage”, “the ugliest building in Paris” and “a symbol of modern France’s decline.”
Centre Pompidou is primarily focused on modern and contemporary art.
Wassily Kandinsky: A key figure in abstract art and a co-founder of the Blue Rider group,
Marcel Duchamp: Known for his groundbreaking contributions to conceptual art,
Henri Matisse: A leading figure in Fauvism and one of the most important modern painters,
Fernand Léger: A French painter, sculptor, and filmmaker associated with Cubism,
Salvador Dalí: A surrealist artist known for his eccentric and imaginative works,
Joan Miró: A Spanish surrealist painter, sculptor, and ceramicist,
Max Ernst: A German Dadaist and surrealist artist,
Frida Kahlo: A Mexican painter known for her symbolic and often autobiographical works,
Andy Warhol: A leading figure in the pop art movement, known for his iconic works,
Yves Klein: A French artist associated with Nouveau réalisme.
Georges Pompidou played a key role in the establishment of a multidisciplinary cultural institution in the heart of Paris. He envisioned a space that would house a modern art museum, a public library, and various cultural facilities, making art and cultural activities more accessible to the public. In recognition of his contribution to the project and his support for the arts, the cultural center was named Centre national d’art et de culture Georges Pompidou.
Yes. Centre Pompidou is scheduled to undergo a significant renovation, resulting in a closure to the public for a period of five years. The renovation is set to commence in autumn 2024 and is expected to continue until 2030. The progressive closure of visitor spaces will begin in autumn 2024, with the complete closure of the building anticipated in the summer of 2025. Upon completion, the Centre Pompidou is expected to reopen with a revitalized and expanded space, ready to continue its mission of promoting modern and contemporary art and culture.
Book Tickets for Centre Pompidou in France
Explore below your Centre Pompidou ticket options and pick from the finest selection
Centre Pompidou: Exhibition + Rooftop Access
9.2K+ Reviews
€17
Tiqets
- Instant Confirmation
- Mobile Ticket
- Access to Temporary Exhibition
- Access to the Rooftop
- Free Cancellation
“We had the chance to visit, a Picasso exhibition which was extraordinary and the museum….”
Centre Pompidou + Seine River: Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches
€96.90
Tiqets
- Handpicked combo deal
- Centre Pompidou Exhibition + Rooftop Access
- Seine Cruise
- Free Cancellation
Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days
4.1K+ Reviews
€90
GetYourGuide
- 2, 4, or 6-day Paris Museum Pass
- Admission to 50+ Museums
- Priority Entry
- Free Cancellation
“We loved using the Museum Pass, it made it easier to enter places and we were able to skip some preferential queues….”
Centre Pompidou: Exhibition + Rooftop Access
Embark on an enriching journey with Centre Pompidou tickets, offering access to the temporary exhibitions, and the spectacular rooftop. Immerse yourself in the realm of modern art with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Mondrian. Marvel at the distinctive architectural design adorned with colorful pipes, and ascend to the rooftop for panoramic vistas of Paris.
Elevate your experience to the top floor, where breathtaking views unveil iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
- Access to the temporary exhibition
- Access to the rooftop
Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
> Proceed directly to the “Visiteurs avec billet” (Visitors with tickets) line marked in orange on the map provided in your voucher. This will lead you directly to the security checkpoint.
> Once through security, bypass the ticket purchase line and go to the “ticket with timeslot” line. Show your smartphone ticket and head straight to the museum, presenting your smartphone ticket.
> Please note that wait times are currently extended due to the popularity of ongoing exhibitions, affecting all ticket holders. Your patience is appreciated.
Starting Time: Please check availability and choose your preferred time slot.
Duration: Take as much time as you want to get your fill of Centre Pompidou.
5* Moshe, Israel, 29 Sept 2023 Verified customer
Everything is served perfectly. Don’t miss the 6. Floor, even if you don’t like “contemporary art” or if you are a child. If you couldn’t find even one interesting work, tell me.
5* Emmanouil, Greece, 11 Dec 2023, Verified customer
We had the chance to visit, a Picasso exhibition which was extraordinary and the museum. Definitely recommend it!
- Instant Confirmation
- Mobile Ticket
- Access to Temporary Exhibition
- Access to the Rooftop
- Free Cancellation
Centre Pompidou + Seine River: Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches
With this ticket, you’ll enjoy access to Centre Pompidou exhibition and rooftop along with the added delight of a scenic 1-hour Seine River lunch Cruise. Set sail on a scenic cruise along the Seine River with an included French dinner.
- Access to the temporary exhibition Centre Pompidou
- A river cruise on the Seine, hosted by Bateaux Mouches
- French lunch
- Free parking
Centre Pompidou: Exhibition + Rooftop – Reschedule until 23:59 the day before.
Seine River Lunch Cruise: Reschedule up to 72 hours in advance.
- Reserve now & pay later
- Duration 1 day
- Seine Cruise
- Free Cancellation
Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days
Discover over 50 of the most renowned museums and landmarks in and around Paris with the hassle-free and budget-friendly Paris Museum Pass. It includes entrance to iconic attractions such as the Louvre, the Orsay, the Panthéon, the Concierge, the Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, and of course, the Centre Pompidou. Secure your pass now for an unforgettable Parisian experience!
- 2, 4, or 6-day Paris Museum Pass
- Admission to 50+ museums (permanent collections only) and monuments in Paris and the Paris region
- Visit to Arc de Triomphe
- Priority entry
- River cruise (if option selected)
Meeting Point: May vary depending on the option booked
Starting Time: Please check availability to see the different starting times.
Duration: Valid for 2,4 or 6 consecutive days (depending on chosen option)
Good to Know: The Pass must be collected at the tour office near the Louvre, which is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
5*, Cezar Rafael – Brazil; January 4, 2024 – Verified booking
We loved using the Museum Pass, it made it easier to enter places and we were able to skip some preferential queues. Unfortunately, we used it on New Year’s Eve so we were unable to enter some museums and/or we saw some that require prior reservation, such as the Louvre. I recommend booking museums in advance for commemorative dates.
4*, GetYourGuide traveler – Australia; December 15, 2023 – Verified booking
The pass was good value for money and it was clear what was included and what wasn’t. It provided access to a very large range of attractions which helped us to pick the main sites we wanted to see. It is important to ensure that you don’t loose your pass though as they only provide a hard copy.
- 2, 4, or 6-day Paris Museum Pass
- Admission to 50+ museums
- Priority Entry
- Free Cancellation
