The Centre Pompidou turns architecture inside out, with its coloured pipes and exterior escalators on full display. Inside is the largest modern and contemporary art collection in Europe, covering Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky and a deep run of post-war work. The building is as much the attraction as the art, and the top-floor view over Paris is one of the best in the city.
The collection and the rooftop view
The permanent collectionPermanent collectionThe works an institution holds and presents over time, although individual objects may rotate or leave display. sits on the upper levels, arranged roughly by period. Ride the exterior escalator to the top for the view across the rooftops to the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur, then work your way down through the galleries. Temporary exhibitionsTemporary exhibitionA time-limited display organised around a defined artist, subject or group of works. are a big draw, so check what is on before you go.
Best time to go
Mornings just after opening are calmest, and the museum stays open late most evenings, which is a pleasant time for the view. The surrounding Beaubourg square is lively all day with street performers, so it is easy to combine the visit with a wander through the nearby Marais.
Frequently asked questions
Plan your visit: Centre Pompidou
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