Paris’s iconic Pompidou Centre will close its doors to visitors on Monday, marking the start of a five-year renovation project estimated at €460 million. The overhaul aims to modernize the museum, enhance accessibility, and preserve its world-renowned architecture.
Famed for its multicoloured exterior, exposed piping, and iconic escalators, the Pompidou Centre has long drawn millions of visitors annually, equally fascinated by its building as by its art collection. Designed as an open space for all, the museum opened in 1977 and was named after former president Georges Pompidou, who passed away in 1974.
The museum’s permanent collection was closed to visitors back in March, as specialists began carefully removing works by celebrated artists such as Francis Bacon, Frida Kahlo, and Marcel Duchamp.
Temporary exhibitions have continued to operate, with Monday offering a final chance to view a retrospective of German artist Wolfgang Tillmans before the centre closes entirely.
On the last day before closure, the Pompidou Centre will remain open until 11 pm (2100 GMT), with free entry for all visitors. A special musical and artistic program will also take place from October 22 to 25, coinciding with Paris contemporary art week.
The renovation plan addresses multiple priorities, including asbestos removal, improved security, accessibility upgrades, and a complete interior redesign. Laurent Le Bon, president of the Pompidou Centre, highlighted that the exterior framework will remain intact, while interiors from the basement to the top floor will undergo significant transformations.
One of the most anticipated features is a large public terrace on the seventh floor, offering panoramic views of Paris. Le Bon expressed hope that visitors will feel the same awe as when the Centre originally opened in 1977. Additionally, upgraded waterproofing measures will protect the collection from water damage and aim to reduce energy bills by 40 percent.
The total renovation cost is estimated at €460 million, with €280 million financed by the French state. Another €100 million has already been secured through other contributions, including €50 million from Saudi Arabia. The remaining €80 million is expected to be raised within the next five years.
The Pompidou Centre’s closure follows broader concerns about Parisian cultural landmarks. Earlier this year, the head of the Louvre warned that the museum was experiencing water damage, maintenance issues, and long visitor queues, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to announce a redesign and restoration project costing up to €800 million.
The Pompidou renovation represents a major investment in France’s cultural heritage, preserving the building’s revolutionary design while upgrading facilities to meet 21st-century standards. Visitors and art enthusiasts worldwide will have to wait until around 2030 to experience the centre in its renewed form.
This ambitious project reaffirms Paris’s commitment to maintaining its position as a global hub for modern art and culture, ensuring the Pompidou Centre remains a landmark attraction for generations to come.
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