When it opened in 1977, critics called the Centre Pompidou an oil refinery dropped into medieval Paris — its pipes, escalators, and structural bones are all on the exterior, color-coded by function, leaving the interior floors open for art. It now holds Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art, from Matisse to Kandinsky to Basquiat.
- Ride the external escalator tube up the front of the building — the view over Paris's rooftops is free with any ticket
- The permanent collection alone spans the entire 20th and 21st centuries; budget at least two hours
- The building is closed for major renovation until 2030 — check current status before planning a visit
- Hours
- Check current renovation status before visiting
- Price
- Normally around €15, free under 18
- Tip
- The rooftop views alone are worth the entry price on a clear day.
Nearby
- L Le Marais · neighborhood
- S Stravinsky Fountain · fountain
- H Hôtel de Ville · landmark