Center Pompidou

In the heart of Paris, the Centre Pompidou, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, has paid tribute to Georges Pompidou since its inauguration in 1977. This iconic museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, houses the National Museum of Modern Art, offering a rich collection ranging from Surrealism to the movements of the 20e and 21st century.

Center Pompidou guide: exhibitions and advice

In addition to its exhibitions, the Center offers a variety of activities, from festivals to artistic events, ensuring an enriching visit for everyone. Located near City Hall and the Rambuteau metro station, it is easily accessible and offers a magnificent view of Paris. This article will guide you through your visit to the Centre Pompidou, with tips for a memorable experience.

Buying tickets: Options and tips

Here are the current rates for the various Centre Pompidou offers:

Ticket types available

The Centre Pompidou offers a wide variety of tickets to meet every visitor’s needs. Choose from standard tickets, which provide access to the permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions. You can also choose tickets that include access to the rooftop terrace to enjoy breathtaking views of Paris. For those seeking a more immersive experience, opt for guided tours offered in several languages and designed for small groups, fostering a more intimate interaction. In addition, combination tickets with other iconic Parisian attractions, such as the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, are available to enhance your day.

Where to buy tickets

We strongly recommend that you purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long wait times. Tickets can be purchased directly on the Centre Pompidou’s official website or through online ticketing platforms such as Tiqets, Paris Tickets, and others. These services often offer immediate booking confirmations, as well as benefits such as discounts and skip-the-line access.

Tips for saving on tickets

To save money on your tickets, be sure to buy them online in advance, which can allow you to take advantage of discounted rates and avoid additional booking fees. Consider purchasing combination tickets that include other Paris attractions—this can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to visit multiple sites. Additionally, visiting the Centre Pompidou after 3:00 p.m. can offer a more peaceful experience while saving you the hassle and expense of the long morning lines.

Explore the exhibitions

Current exhibitions

The Centre Pompidou invites you to explore its current exhibitions, which immerse visitors in the fascinating world of modern and contemporary art. Among them, the exhibition «Comics, 1964–2024» runs from May 29 to November 4, 2024, offering a captivating journey through the evolution of comics. This retrospective highlights icons of European comics, Asian manga, and American comics, showcasing a variety of works ranging from underground comics to contemporary abstract and digital art.

Also not to be missed is the retrospective dedicated to Constantin Brancusi, considered the father of modern sculpture. This major exhibition brings together approximately 400 works, including more than 120 sculptures, photographs, drawings, films, and archival materials. It also features a reconstruction of Brancusi’s studio, conceived as a place for living, creating, and reflection.

Upcoming exhibitions

The Centre Pompidou plans to expand its offerings with upcoming exhibitions that will be just as enriching.

From January 15 to May 26, 2025, the «Valadon» exhibition»

Gallery 2, level 6

March 5 - June 02, 2025 "Hans Hollein

Gallery 4, level 1.

March 19–June 30, 2025: «Paris Noir: Artistic Circulations, Anticolonial Struggles, 1950–2000»

Gallery 1, level 6

March 26–June 30, 2025: «Jean Chatelus Collection»

Gallery 3, level 1

From September 25, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the exhibition «Apophenia, Interruptions» will explore the interaction between art and artificial intelligence through six installations that highlight the creative processes fostered by these technologies.

Tips for a Better Exhibition Experience

To make the most of your visit, we recommend planning ahead by checking opening hours and availability. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line, and it’s important to select a specific time slot for temporary exhibitions.

Exploring the exhibition programs and descriptions in advance can enhance your visit. Guided tours also offer an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the works within their historical and artistic contexts.

Practical tips for visiting the Centre Pompidou

Opening hours and best times to visit

The Centre Pompidou is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on Tuesdays and May 1. On Thursdays, enjoy the temporary exhibitions on Level 6, which are open until 11 p.m. for a unique evening experience.

Visiting the Center in the late afternoon, after 3:00 p.m., or on weekdays will allow you to avoid the large crowds, especially compared to weekends.

Available services

To enhance your visit, the Centre Pompidou offers a variety of services: a public information library, dining areas where you can enjoy a meal, and museum shops where you can find books, works of art, and souvenirs.

Changing rooms are available from 11am to 10pm. For a more in-depth experience, the Center offers guided tours for groups, as well as workshops and fun activities for children, including the Children's Gallery, open from 11am to 7pm.

Accessibility

The Centre Pompidou is fully accessible, ensuring an enjoyable visit for everyone. Visitors with limited mobility have easy access to the exhibitions thanks to elevators and ramps.

Special accommodations, such as wheelchairs and special audio guides, are also available. Photography without a flash is permitted, unless otherwise indicated, allowing you to capture memories of your visit while respecting the experience of other visitors.

Conclusion

The Centre Pompidou stands out as a must-visit destination for lovers of modern and contemporary art. It is known for its diverse exhibitions, remarkably accessible services, and iconic architecture, all of which combine to offer an unparalleled cultural experience.

It is important to note, however, that the Centre Pompidou will undergo a major five-year renovation starting in 2025. This renovation aims to modernize and improve the building’s infrastructure. So be sure to take this opportunity to explore the museum before it temporarily closes. Enjoy its current exhibitions by planning your visit in advance. Buy your tickets now and let yourself be swept away by the artistic and cultural richness the Centre Pompidou has to offer.

FAQ - Centre Pompidou

When will the Centre Pompidou close?

The Centre Pompidou plans to close at the end of 2025 for a five-year renovation period. Reopening is scheduled for 2030.

What is free at the Centre Pompidou?

Admission to the Centre Pompidou is free for children under 18, young adults aged 18 to 25 who reside in the European Union, and elementary and secondary school teachers, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month, which includes access to the permanent collection and the Children’s Gallery.

What's the Centre Pompidou's nickname?

The Centre Pompidou is affectionately known as "Beaubourg" or "Notre-Dame de la tuyauterie", a reference to its unique architecture marked by visible external ducts.

What exhibition is on at Beaubourg right now?

Beaubourg is currently hosting the «Surrealism» exhibition, which runs from September 4, 2024, to January 13, 2025. This exhibition commemorates the centennial of the Surrealist movement through a retrospective and thematic exploration of this art form.