The very unusual and unique avant-garde building of the cultural centre and modern art gallery "Centre Georges Pompidou" is one of the main attractions of Paris.
It is unconventional because of the external location of the steel structure, ducts and communications, which has created a completely free space inside the building. It's easy to tell, as each section has a colour to distinguish its function - blue for the air conditioning ducts, green for the water pipes, yellow for the electrical lines and red for the communications such as lifts and staircases.
The Centre Pompidou's colourful construction and its height, where it towers over all the surrounding buildings, make it highly visible from all the vantage points in Paris.
Opened in 1977, the Pompidou has been evoking different feelings ever since. If you're not a fan of modern art, it's definitely worth a look, at least from the outside. In front of the building is the square of the same name, where locals and tourists love to relax.
The view from the rooftop
The Centre Pompidou is also a popular spot for views of Paris from its rooftop.
Unfortunately, however, the view is only possible from walkways covered by a plastic tube, which is often not the cleanest and therefore not ideal for photography.
In summer, also be prepared for the fact that this tube is not air-conditioned and can be well over 40°C, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Admission and opening hours
In addition to the exhibitions and museum, you will find a library, shops, cafes or a cinema. The centre is open daily 11:00-22:00 (exhibitions only until 21:00).
Admission fees vary depending on what you want to see.
- Museum - current exhibitions - 15 eur
- Individual galleries - 15 eur to 17 eur according to the current programme.
- Admission to the premises and viewing area without visiting the exhibitions - free
It is advisable to check for the current programme and more information on the official website: centrepompidou.fr.
Stravinsky Fountain
On the south side of the Centre Pompidou, stop at the small square Place de Igor Stravinsky with its futuristic fountain from 1983.
The fountain was built in a similar style to the Centre Pompidou and contains 16 moving sculptures. It was designed by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle.
Transport and location
There are several metro, train and bus lines in the surrounding area, about 5 minutes on foot.
- Rambuteau station about 200 metres
- Metro 11 - République, Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville, Les Lilas
- Station Chatelet-Les Halles approx. 400 metres
- RER A train - Arc de Triomphe, La Défence, Opera, Nation, Gare de Lyon
- RER B train - CDG airport, Gare du Nord, Luxembourg Gardens, Latin Quarter, Antony
- Train RER D - Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Saint Denis
- Station Hôtel de Ville approx. 350 metres
- Metro 1 - Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde, Petit + Grand Palais, Arc de Triomphe, Bastille, Nation, Chateau Vincennes, Gare de Lyon
- Chatelet station approx. 550 metres
- Metro 1 - see above
- Metro 4 - Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Gare du Nord, Gare Montparnasse, Gare de l'Est
- Metro 14 - La Madeleine Church, ORY airport, Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare de Lyon, Gare Bercy
- Centre Georges Pompidou stop approx. 80 metres
- Bus 38 - Notre Dame, Conciergerie, Saint Chapelle, Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens, Catacombs, Gare de l'Est, Gare du Nord, Porte de la Chapelle
- Bus 75 - Notre Dame, Conciergerie, Saint Chapelle, Latin Quarter, Panthéon, République, Canal Saint-Martin
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Paris.
