Centre Pompidou

Contemporary, industrial, and unconventional. Three words not normally associated with Paris’ historic center. That is until you turn the corner to find the striking Centre Pompidou.

Completed in 1977, this museum, gallery, and library is really quite special - in fact, the building is something of a work of art itself. Completely juxtaposing its surroundings, the vast, industrial-style architecture, with piping, airconditioning, steel supports, and even elevators on the outside give the look of the building being inside out.

No other building like it exists in this part of Paris, or indeed anywhere in the city, and it was originally hated by locals! Nowadays, Parisiens see it as something to be proud of. Especially as the building houses the National Public Information Library, a center for music research and Europe’s largest Museum of Modern Art.

The museum holds over 50,000 pieces, with numerous works by famous names, including Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Frida Kahlo. Featuring the late 19th-20th century art, explore its collections and galleries featuring over 50,000 works, including movements from Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.

You can’t miss this when visiting Paris. Just look at it, you really can’t miss it!