Centre Pompidou
"Centre Pompidou is a radical inside-out building with exposed pipes, ducts, and escalators color-coded on the exterior (blue=air, green=water, yellow=electrical, red=circulation). Houses Europe's largest modern art collection: Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, Duchamp, Warhol. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic Paris views. The surrounding plaza hosts street performers and is a social hub. Controversial when built (1977), now beloved."
Logistics
Moderate
Vibe
Bold, avant-garde
Duration
2 hours (museum) or 30 mins (rooftop only)
Best For
Modern art fans
The Backstory
Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, opened in 1977. The design was revolutionary—placing all infrastructure (pipes, escalators, structural supports) on the exterior to maximize interior gallery space. It was hugely controversial, called an 'oil refinery' and 'cultural supermarket.' President Georges Pompidou championed it to revitalize the Marais/Beaubourg area. Now it's an icon of High-Tech architecture and attracts 3 million visitors yearly.
Local Secret
"The rooftop view is free if you have a museum ticket (or buy rooftop-only ticket for €5). Skip the museum and just take the external escalators for views—they're transparent and offer amazing perspectives. The 6th floor restaurant has Michelin-star dining with Eiffel Tower views. The plaza (free) is great for people-watching and street performers. First Sunday of month is free entry but crowded. Closed Tuesdays."