The Centre Pompidou, a beacon of modern art in Paris and the largest of its kind in Europe, is poised for a transformative five-year closure, commencing in late 2024 and extending until 2030. This monumental renovation, estimated at a staggering €358 million (nearly £300 million), signifies a substantial investment in the future of the iconic landmark, surpassing initial government projections by nearly €100 million. The closure marks a pivotal moment for the museum, which has welcomed as many as 3.5 million visitors annually since its inauguration in 1977. This extensive refurbishment aims to revitalize the Centre Pompidou, equipping it for the next generation of art enthusiasts and solidifying its position as a cultural cornerstone.
The ambitious renovation plans encompass a wide array of improvements, designed to enhance the visitor experience and expand the museum’s offerings. A significant addition will be a sprawling new space, incorporating two large cinema screens and dedicated exhibition areas. This expansion will occur beneath the existing piazza, utilizing a 20,000 sq ft area currently occupied by a bus park. Simultaneously, the museum’s permanent collection, known as the Musée National d’Art Moderne, and the Bibliothèque Publique d’Information, the public library housed within the Centre Pompidou, will undergo complete refurbishments. Culinary offerings will also be augmented with the introduction of a new restaurant on the south side of the complex.
Further enhancing the appeal of the revamped Centre Pompidou will be the addition of a panoramic public viewing platform on the roof. This vantage point promises to offer breathtaking vistas of the Parisian skyline, presenting “one of the most beautiful views of western Paris.” The closure will occur in phases, beginning with the Musée National d’Art Moderne and the library on March 10, 2024. Other exhibition spaces, the bookshop, and the store will gradually close throughout the summer, culminating in the complete closure of the museum on September 22, 2024, following the conclusion of the final exhibition.
While the Centre Pompidou undergoes its metamorphosis, art aficionados will still have opportunities to engage with portions of its collection. Several pieces from the museum’s holdings are currently on display at other prestigious institutions across the globe. These include the H’Art Museum in Amsterdam, Caixa in Barcelona and Madrid, KANAL Centre Pompidou in Brussels, Centre Pompidou in Malaga, the Museum of Fine Arts in San Francisco, Centre Pompidou x New Jersey in Jersey City, Centre Pompidou x West Bund Museum Project in Shanghai, Centre Pompidou Hanwha-Seoul in Korea. This global dissemination of the collection ensures continued access to the Centre Pompidou’s artistic treasures during its renovation period.
The Centre Pompidou’s closure coincides with a broader trend of major renovations among Parisian cultural institutions. Notably, the Louvre Museum is also undergoing a significant €900 million revamp, slated for completion in 2031. This extensive project at the Louvre aims to modernize the museum and improve visitor flow. Upon its reopening, the Louvre will implement new ticketing policies, resulting in higher entrance fees for non-EU citizens, including British visitors. These parallel renovations underscore Paris’s commitment to maintaining its position as a global hub for art and culture.
Despite the temporary closure of these prominent cultural attractions, Paris continues to offer a wealth of enriching experiences for visitors. The Notre Dame Cathedral, which reopened in December 2023 after a painstaking five-year restoration following the devastating 2019 fire, stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and its dedication to preserving its historical heritage. While the Centre Pompidou’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, the city’s vibrant cultural landscape and ongoing restoration efforts promise a dynamic and evolving experience for future visitors.
