History of Centre Pompidou in France: From Origin to Museum

History of Centre Pompidou

Embark on a captivating journey through the rich history of Centre Pompidou with our concise timeline and comprehensive overview.

Enhance your visit with our thoughtfully selected premier tickets, ensuring a seamless exploration of this distinctive art museum.

History of Centre Pompidou: Chronological Timeline

1960s

The idea of a cultural center housing an art museum and library under one roof emerges in France, driven by a growing recognition of the importance of modern and contemporary art and the need for a central hub for cultural activities.

1962

André Malraux, France’s first Minister of Cultural Affairs, proposes a plan to create a national center for art and culture in the Les Halles district, a former central market in Paris.

1968

President Charles De Gaulle rejects the Les Halles location, favoring the Plateau Beaubourg, a neighborhood in the 4th arrondissement, due to its strategic position and potential for urban renewal.

1969

Georges Pompidou, the newly elected President of France, takes over the project and appoints a commission to oversee its development.

1970-1971

Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, two young and innovative architects, are selected to design the Centre Pompidou. Their groundbreaking concept emphasizes the exposure of structural elements and the integration of mechanical and technical systems into the architectural design.

1971-1973

Construction work begins. The project faces initial skepticism and criticism from some who perceive it as an architectural aberration. However, Pompidou’s strong support and the architects’ unwavering vision ensure the project’s continuation.

1974

President Georges Pompidou dies, and Valéry Giscard d’Estaing takes over the project.

1974-1977

Construction of the Centre Pompidou commences, marked by technological advancements and innovative techniques. The building’s distinctive exterior, with brightly colored pipes and escalators, becomes an iconic landmark of Paris.

January 31, 1977

The Centre Pompidou, officially named the Centre national d’art et de culture Georges-Pompidou, opens to the public. The grand opening is a major cultural event, attracting worldwide attention and sparking a renewed appreciation for modern and contemporary art.

1980s & 1990s

The exhibition expands over the years with new pieces and is becoming increasingly popular. Fans of modern and contemporary art from all over the world visit the museum.

1997

Centre Pompidou undergoes a major renovation until 1999. The renovation updates the building’s facilities and technology, and it also improves accessibility for people with disabilities.

2000

Centre Pompidou continues to expand its collection and programming, attracting more and more visitors from around the world.

2011

Centre Pompidou opens the Bourse de Commerce, a new contemporary art museum located in the former Bourse de Commerce building in the Les Halles district.

2019

Centre Pompidou undertakes a further round of renovations until 2021. This renovation focuses on improving the building’s energy efficiency and sustainability.

Today

Originally slated for September 2023, the closure of Centre Pompidou for renovation has been rescheduled to occur after the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024.

Near future

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.

History of Centre Pompidou: Summary

Commence an engaging exploration of Centre Pompidou’s fascinating history through our in-depth overview. Delve into each intricately presented segment, taking a chronological journey to unveil the origins, transformations, and profound cultural significance of this iconic structure.
Here’s a periodic overview of the captivating history of Centre Pompidou.

In the 1960s, the idea of a cultural center housing an art museum and library under one roof took root in France, driven by a growing recognition of the importance of modern and contemporary art and the need for a central hub for cultural activities. In 1962, André Malraux, France’s first Minister of Cultural Affairs, proposed the first concrete plan for such a center, envisioning it as a place to showcase France’s cultural heritage and promote innovation in the arts.

The Centre Pompidou’s concept and design were shaped by the groundbreaking work of Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, two young and innovative architects. Their vision for the building was one of openness and transparency, with its structural elements and mechanical systems exposed to the public view. This radical approach to architecture, known as High-tech architecture, was met with skepticism and criticism from some who perceived it as an architectural aberration.

In 1971, construction of the Centre Pompidou began at the Plateau Beaubourg, a neighborhood in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Despite initial skepticism, the project pressed on, with Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, Pompidou’s successor, taking over as president in 1974.

Advancements in technology and innovative construction techniques were employed to bring the Centre Pompidou to life. The building’s distinctive exterior, with brightly colored pipes and escalators, quickly became an iconic landmark of Paris. On January 31, 1977, the Centre Pompidou officially opened to the public, welcoming visitors from all over the world and marking a new era for modern and contemporary art in France.

The Centre Pompidou’s popularity soared in the 1980s and 1990s, attracting a growing number of visitors and expanding its collection with new acquisitions. The museum underwent a major renovation from 1997 to 1999, which updated its facilities and technology, and also improved accessibility for people with disabilities.

Throughout this period, the Centre Pompidou continued to expand its reach and impact, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading centers for modern and contemporary art.

In 2011, the Centre Pompidou inaugurated the Bourse de Commerce, a new contemporary art museum located in the former Bourse de Commerce building in the Les Halles district. The museum undertook a further round of renovations from 2019 to 2021, focusing on improving its energy efficiency and sustainability. The Centre Pompidou’s closure for a major renovation, originally scheduled for September 2023, was postponed to occur after the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024.

In the future, the Centre Pompidou aims to undergo a major renovation from autumn 2024 to 2030, promising to emerge with a revitalized and expanded space, ready to continue its mission of promoting modern and contemporary art and culture.

Centre Pompidou Tickets & Tours

Uncover an exclusive selection of Centre Pompidou admission tickets and guided tours with our carefully curated offerings.

Centre Pompidou: Exhibition & Permanent Collection + Rooftop Access

4.5

4.6K Reviews

From €17.00

Tiqets

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Access to Permanent & Temporary Exhibition
Access to the Rooftop
Free Cancellation

“We had the chance to visit, a Picasso exhibition which was extraordinary and the museum….”

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Paris: Pompidou Centre Modern Art Museum Entry Ticket

4.4

3.6K Reviews

From €15.00

GetYourGuide

Reserve now & pay later
Valid 1 day
Access To Rooftop Terrace
Free Cancellation

“Beautiful museum! The view of Paris is a nice bonus…”

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Paris: Centre Pompidou Tickets & Optional Seine River Cruise

4.4

87 Reviews

From €13.90

GetYourGuide

Reserve now & pay later
Duration 1 day
Optional Seine Cruise
Free Cancellation

“The Centre Pompidou was amazing. Loved it…”

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Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days

4.2

3.7K Reviews

From €90.00

GetYourGuide

2, 4, or 6-day Paris Museum Pass
Admission to Centre Pompidou
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….”

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The Center Pompidou is the Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture in Paris.

Blue pipes and vents at Centre Pompidou, Paris, France

Centre Pompidou: Exhibition & Permanent Collection + Rooftop Access

4.6K Reviews

Embark on an enriching journey with Centre Pompidou tickets, offering access to the permanent collection, 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.

Delve into a diverse collection featuring paintings from 1915 to the present, along with sculptures, photography, and new media. 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 permanent collection
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.

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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!

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From €17.00

Check Availability

Tiqets

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Access to Permanent & Temporary Exhibition
Access to the Rooftop
Free Cancellation

Iconic architecture of Centre Pompidou featuring ventilation shafts and ductwork on the exterior

Paris: Pompidou Centre Modern Art Museum Entry Ticket

3.6K Reviews

Discover the world’s second-largest modern art collection with this admission ticket to the Centre Pompidou modern art museum in Paris. Elevate your experience by selecting access to the temporary Germaine Richier exhibition. Reserve now and embark on an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of art!

The Centre Pompidou entry ticket
Access to one temporary exhibition (if option selected and available)
Terrace access

Meeting Point: 19 Rue Beaubourg, 75004 Paris. Head to the orange line for “visitors with tickets” entering the premises.

Starting Time: Please check availability to see the different starting times.

Duration: Valid for 1 Day

5*, Mirjam – Netherlands; December 12, 2023 – Verified booking

Beautiful museum! The view of Paris is a nice bonus. They have a fun photobooth and a great giftshop. Getting a ticket a-head and skipping most of the line is very much recommended. The line for people without a ticket was huge and people had to stand in the rain.

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5*, Christine – Germany; September 8, 2023 – Verified booking

Everything went perfectly with the tickets; we didn’t have to queue anywhere. Went to the Pompidou Center about twenty years ago and it was well worth seeing again this time. We looked at the floor with modern art in detail, and then quickly looked at the contemporary art below because there wasn’t much attention left and we were a bit lacking in access… 😉 An absolute recommendation for every fan of modern art – also because the building itself is a highlight.

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From €15.00

Check Availability

GetYourGuide

Reserve now & pay later
Valid 1 day
Access To Rooftop Terrace
Free Cancellation

Birthday weekend in Paris. This fifth set is a more random selection. Abstract architecture is an amazing thing, places like the base of the Eiffel Tower and the Pompidou centre are a brilliant reminder of modern building

Paris: Centre Pompidou Tickets and Optional Seine River Cruise

87 Reviews

With this ticket, you’ll enjoy access to Centre Pompidou along with the added delight of a scenic 1-hour Seine River Cruise. Immerse yourself in a diverse world of art and culture at the iconic Centre Pompidou, situated in the heart of Paris. Then set sail on a scenic cruise along the Seine River with an included audio guide.

Centre Pompidou Entrance ticket
Seine River Cruise ticket (if chosen)
Audio guide on the boat

Meeting Point Museum: 19 Rue Beaubourg, 75004 Paris

Starting Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Duration: 1 Day

4*, GetYourGuide traveler; November 29, 2022 – Verified booking

Easy booking, good price, easily found the deck for the river trip,,pleasant trip with excellent guide and the bobidu skip the line in a crowded day was very comfort.Definetely recommended

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4*, GetYourGuide traveler – United States; May 20, 2022 – Verified booking

The Centre Pompidou was amazing. Loved it. The Seine River Cruise was very nice…nothing fancy just a one-hour trip on the Seine. I didn’t love that the only option for commentary was through earphones on the lower level so if you want to sit outside, there’s almost no information. I did appreciate that the flexibility and the date on the ticket was for more than just one day.

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From €13.90

Check Availability

GetYourGuide

Reserve now & pay later
Duration 1 day
Optional Seine Cruise
Free Cancellation

Musée de l'Orangerie Paris, Quais de la Seine France ,river views

Morning Golden Hour at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days

3.7K Reviews

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 Centre Pompidou (permanent collections)
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.

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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.

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From €90.00

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GetYourGuide

2, 4, or 6-day Paris Museum Pass
Centre Pompidou Entry
Admission to 50+ museums
Priority Entry
Free Cancellation

>> Check out the best places to eat Centre Pompidou with our restaurant recommendations.

>> Compare all options with our comparison table and pick the best ticket.

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Centre Pompidou History