Centre Pompidou

About the museum

The Centre Pompidou is named after President Georges Pompidou, who decided in 1969 to create a major institution for modern art in Paris, on the Beaubourg plateau. In 1971, the jury of an international competition chose the design by the architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini. Their building, whose structure, staircases and ducts are visible from the outside, was inaugurated in January 1977 and opened to the public in February.

The site brings together several institutions: the Musée national d’art moderne, which holds one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe; the Bibliothèque publique d’information (Bpi), which is freely accessible; and, nearby, Ircam, a research institute devoted to music. The building was a great success and attracted far more visitors than expected; it was closed from 1997 to 2000 for a first major renovation.

Since 2025, the Centre Pompidou has been undergoing another transformation. The Paris building closed to the public on September 22, 2025 for works that include asbestos removal from the façade, treatment of corrosion in the structure, energy savings and improved accessibility. Reopening is planned for 2030. During this period, the “Constellation” programme presents collections and exhibitions at partner venues in France and abroad, and a new site, the Centre Pompidou Francilien – fabrique de l’art, is due to open in Massy in spring 2027.

Highlights

• Famous architecture by Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini
• Musée national d’art moderne, a collection of modern and contemporary art
• Bibliothèque publique d’information (Bpi), now located in the 12th arrondissement
• “Constellation” programme at partner venues during the works
• Centre Pompidou Francilien in Massy, opening planned for spring 2027

Founded

1977

Operated by

Établissement public Centre national d'art et de culture Georges-Pompidou

Director

Laurent Le Bon

Visitors per year

approx. 3,273,867 (2019)

Admission & discounts

The Beaubourg building is closed for works until 2030; the programme continues at partner venues.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The works include improving the building’s accessibility. The Centre Pompidou offers adapted tours at its partner venues.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The Centre Pompidou runs a programme for young audiences at its partner venues, for example family workshops in the mobile “mille formes” structures.

Getting there & parking

The Beaubourg building is closed. The addresses of the partner venues are listed on the “Où nous trouver” (Where to find us) page of the Centre Pompidou website.

Amenities & dining

As the building is closed, no visitor services are offered on site. An online shop is available.

Events & venue rental

The Beaubourg building is closed for works until 2030; the programme continues at partner venues.

Plan your visit