Paris, France

Summary of Centre Pompidou

photo by gusto

Centre Pompidou

Place Georges Pompidou
Paris, France 75004
33 (0)1 44.78.12.33

Commonly known as the Beaubourg, this distinctive building was commissioned in 1968 by the then President Georges Pompidou, and opened in 1977. Most Parisians were initially shocked by its unconventional inside out architectural style: air conditioning, escalators and lifts are all on the outside, giving the interior unparalleled freedom. Extensively refurbished in the late 1990s, the centre is home to the Musée National dArt Moderne and the Bibliothèque Publique dInformation (BPI) as well as temporary exhibitions, cinemas, and other attractions. All-inclusive museum admission: EUR10 Adults; EUR8 Reduced. Hours vary for individual attractions.

Reviews

Funky building, but great museum!

Reviewed by m8888888 on February 13, 2007

m8888888's rating:

"I think you either love this building, or you hate it. & most people seem to hate it! But the museum inside is fantastic- such a great collection of modern art! I could wander around for hours- and I have! Even if you hate the building, go inside anyway, because you’ll probably like the other artwork- at least some of it! It’s not good art if some people don’t hate it!"

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Take in small doses

Reviewed by reewins on January 13, 2007

reewins' rating:

"Yes, like much of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou has exhibits and installations that will bring forth strong emotions. However, the amount of abstraction was hard for me to absorb in an afternoon. I would prefer to take in exhibits like the ones here in smaller bites."

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Fascinating Eyesore

Reviewed by Loricat on January 04, 2007

Loricat's rating:

"When you think of the neighbourhood torn down for this wonderfully weird monstrosity, you can’t help but wonder if it was worth it. The square in front of the Centre Pompidou is one of the hangouts for pickpockets and drug dealers, or just locals with not much to do.Wander by, check it out, go in and up the escalators…and by all means check out the Museum of Modern Art, but don’t expect much from the Centre itself. "

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