Visit the iconic Centre Pompidou before it closes for renovations on September 22. Enjoy a weekend of free cultural activities, including workshops, concerts, and performances from notable artists, starting Friday at 6 PM. After the closure, around 2,000 artworks will be relocated for storage or exhibitions in various countries. The museum, a landmark of modern art since 1977, has transformed the art experience and will continue to share its collection internationally. Don’t miss this final chance!
Final Opportunity to Experience the Centre Pompidou
If you’ve been planning to visit the iconic Centre Pompidou, now is your last chance! This renowned modern art museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of contemporary art worldwide, will be closing its doors on Monday for extensive renovations and asbestos removal. Since its inauguration in 1977, the museum has captivated visitors with its impressive array of artworks, and it will officially shut down on September 22 following its final temporary exhibition.
A Weekend of Free Cultural Festivities
Affectionately known as ‘Beaubourg’ by locals, the Centre Pompidou is offering free admission to the public from Friday at 6 PM until Monday at 9 PM. Guests can enjoy a vibrant cultural program filled with DJs, live performances, and creative workshops during this special weekend.
The festivities will kick off on Friday with the event titled ‘Let the Party Begin!’ featuring artistic workshops, concerts, and DJ sets from popular artists such as Busy P and Louise Chen. On Saturday, visitors can participate in collaborative artistic practices and surprise tours throughout the museum. Sunday will allow for leisurely exploration of the museum, along with opportunities to join relaxation and writing workshops. The closing day on Monday will feature a dance celebration led by choreographer Alban Richard, accompanied by DJ Simo Cell.
Following this grand farewell, around 2,000 artworks housed within 12,000 m² of exhibition space will be carefully transported via semi-trailers to various storage locations or other museums both in France and internationally. According to Claire Garnier, production director, this monumental operation has taken years of meticulous planning.
Some installations, such as those by renowned German artist Anselm Kiefer, will require extensive efforts, including the removal of certain glass facades of the building. Fortunately, art enthusiasts can still enjoy a selection of the collection, which includes approximately 150,000 pieces, at the upcoming renovated Grand Palais in Paris, where several major exhibitions are slated to occur.
Additionally, partnerships with museums in cities like Malaga, Shanghai, and soon Brussels will allow parts of the collection to be displayed abroad, along with significant exhibitions planned in the United States, Australia, Japan, and various European countries, as highlighted by Xavier Rey, the museum’s director.
Since its opening on January 31, 1977, the Centre Pompidou has attracted an extraordinary number of visitors, transforming the landscape of modern art museums globally. Bernard Blistène, who dedicated 23 years of his career to the museum, underscores its pivotal role in redefining the art experience for diverse audiences.
Conceived by former President Georges Pompidou as a dynamic hub for artistic expression, this striking multicolored structure, designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, has become one of Paris’s most cherished landmarks, welcoming an average of four million visitors annually, excluding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The museum’s groundbreaking exhibitions, including a monograph on Marcel Duchamp and one on Salvador Dali, have set a precedent in the art world, showcasing works from legendary artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Constantin Brâncuși, Marc Chagall, and many others. Don’t miss this final opportunity to experience the Centre Pompidou before it embarks on its transformative journey!