Georges Pompidou Center in Paris is a museum of modern art where every tourist should visit.
To date, this place is considered to be the most visited. Therefore, if you find yourself in Paris, don’t pass by and have a look here.
Pompidou architecture
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The architects managed to combine 3 architectural styles in one building: postmodernism, brutalism and expressionism. The young architects worked hard and managed to create an unusual building that deserves everyone’s attention. But if you look at the building from the other side, it can be attributed to the style of high-tech. The unusualness of an ordinary building brings bright colors. It was necessary to create unusualness and bring a zest to the ordinary.
The building is huge. It holds 10 floors and a large observation deck. Beautiful elevators by the gods are constantly functioning and attract as much attention as the constant exhibitions and shows.
History of the Centre Georges Pompidou
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The Georges Pompidou Center can be considered a national museum of art. It has everything and every detail harmonizes with the other, so if you are a connoisseur of art, this is the place to go.
Georges Pompidou was the French president. And from the first year of his presidency, he set himself the goal of modernizing the country. But in addition to the main tasks, he also set himself the goal of cultural education of the population.
He himself appreciated art and always dreamed of creating a large complex where he would bring together all branches of art. Fortunately, such a place was found and construction soon began in the Bobur neighborhood.
The authorities announced the project and architects from 50 countries responded. But Pompidou wanted to see something different and turned his attention to young architects.
The original project was a bit unconventional. The building was to be completely glass and somewhat like a parallelepiped. On all sides of the building. escalators were to be installed.
A large exhibition area was also envisioned. But, during construction, the concept changed. It was decided to paint the building in different colors and make it a bright spot of the whole block.
The construction was finished in 1977 and an opening was held immediately. But the structure was not accepted by everyone. Critics spoke negatively about the object, and to see such a thing in the center of Paris was nonsense. The press repeatedly wrote that the president built an oil refinery in the city and painted it in bright colors.
But, soon everything was forgotten and now this extraordinary building is considered one of the main attractions of the French capital.
What to see at the Pompidou Center?
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Life in this art center is buzzing day and night. Every day new artists, clowns, mimes, artists and dancers come here. But do not forget about the tourists. To see all this beauty, they sit on the floor and watch the performance with pleasure.
Museum of Modern Art
It is definitely worth a visit. The museum is considered a state museum. There are more than 60 thousand exhibits in the museum’s collection. But you can see here not only paintings, but also modern photographs, design works, installations and small videos on various subjects.
Some exhibits are permanent and some are constantly traveling around the country and the world. There is also a room where you can view paintings by famous artists. Such as Picasso, Kandinsky and many others.
Museum observation area
The observation deck is located on the roof of the building. From here you can see the whole of Paris. It is open not only during the day but also at night.
If you want to see breathtaking panoramas and take in the majestic structures, make sure you climb up and choose the best viewing angle.
Public Library
A huge library spread over three floors. Here you can find rare books and just stroll between the shelves.
It is free to enter the library. Recently, video and audio files have been added to the list of available literature, which can be accessed by anyone.
Exhibitions
Every day new exhibitions are opened here, which belong to different areas. The halls are ready to welcome all comers.
You can walk here for hours, because in one hall huge plastic flowers grow, in another you can see iron animals, in the third one a young designer offers to look at his creations, and in the fourth one there are giant posters of internal organs.
Designer boutiques
These departments are considered a shopaholic’s paradise. Here you can buy books, various knick-knacks, souvenirs and art kits. If you’re lucky, you might even buy a designer item.
Children’s art workshops
This is one of the few places in Paris where not only adults will be interested.
If you take your child with you, they will be satisfied. There are real masters working with them here, who are ready to teach children the basics of drawing and modeling. They will also advise you on what materials to choose for creativity.
Children of all ages will find something to do here. The art studios are especially interesting for teenagers.
Stravinsky Fountain
A truly unique structure, near which you can sit for hours. It is located on the square and is considered the main decoration.
The fountain was built much later, in 1983. A pool was dug and filled with water. To somehow diversify the ordinary, 16 sculptures were lowered into the pool. They move on the water surface and music by the great Stravinsky is played.
Cinemas and theaters
For those who want to watch modern movies and just enjoy the screening of short films, it is worth going to the first floor.
Once a month, there is always a festival. Sometimes they are so big that you can even meet world celebrities.
Ticket prices and opening hours of the center
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The Pompidou Center is open 6 days of the week. Tuesday is a day off. It is also closed on May 1.
The center opens at 11:00, closing the boutiques and exhibitions at 23:00.
Every Thursday, there are temporary exhibitions on the 6th floor. They are open until 23:00.
Ticket price:
- Ticket for exhibitions and observation deck: 14 euros and 11 euros (concessionary);
- A ticket to the observation deck is 5 euros;
- Tickets for the show range from 5 to 18 euros;
- Tickets to the movie theater are 6 euros.
Children under the age of 18 can visit the center for free. If you buy a ticket, you can wander around the center all day long. On the first Sunday in March, admission is absolutely free for all visitors.
Location of the Centre Georges Pompidou
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The famous Georges Pompidou Cultural Center is located at Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France.
How to get there?
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You can get to it in different ways. The most popular is a cab. But it is also the most expensive option. It is much cheaper to take public transportation or the subway. If you go by metro, get off at the following stations:
- Rambuteau (Branch 11);
- Hotel de Ville (branch 11 or 1);
- Les Halles (branch 4).
You can buy a map and rent a bike. It’s cheap and useful. You can see the city at the same time.
In addition to visiting the Georges Pompidou Center, it is worth booking a tour of the historical sites from Metropol Voyage. We offer our clients not only a Russian-speaking guide who is very familiar with the area and can tell you many interesting facts, but also a transfer that will quickly take you to the place.
We always consult with our clients and discuss the tour plan in advance. Therefore, if you want to make adjustments, we are always ready to meet you and take you to the places you will be interested in.
