Pompidou Center – Beaubourg Museum
Here are five amazing things you can do at the Pompidou Center
1.) Paris Marais Walking Tour
Anyone who wants to discover the heart of Paris and why this city is so special should go on this free tour! You will also understand why the Pompidou Center has been obviously built there, in a neighborhood of contrasts.
2.) Have a drink at Le Georges
From this very chic restaurant you will get one of the best views of Paris and the opportunity to sip a cocktail while sunbathing on their incredible terrace.
3.) Make a wish at the Stravinski Fountain
Designed by famous artists Nikki de St-Phalle and Jean Tinguely, it is a tradition to fling a coin in it to make a wish. It is also one of the most romantic places in Paris…
4.) Watch the time
Watch the time on the clock of le Quartier de l’Horloge: there, a golden knight, crab, rooster and dragon will help you be on time! One of them will appear and strike each full hour, and at 12:00 am or 5:00 pm they will start fighting against each other! This is a wonderful free attraction.
5.) A walk on Montorgeil Street
One of the best places to eat or to buy French food. This ancient street is typical of what Paris used to be, and is now a very trendy place. There you can easily spot Parisians in their natural habitat…
Insider’s tips:
- On the first Sunday of every month the entrance is free.
- Sunbathe on the last floor’s terraces, overlooking Paris.
- Have drink at Georges’, the very posh and chic museum restaurant which has become the meeting point of trendy Parisians.
Facts about the Pompidou Center
The Pompidou Center, located on the Right Bank of the river Seine, was named after the French president Georges Pompidou and inaugurated in 1977. It was a huge scandal because of the building in itself: Renzo Piano, the architect, had decided to make visible all the plumbing, electrical and climate control pipes! It is familiarly referred to as Beaubourg.
Pompidou Center
Certainly one of the most amazing museums in Paris, Parisians either fall completely in love with this building… or absolutely hate it! I’m definitely part of the first ones! While walking around Beaubourg, you’ll come across some of the finest pieces of contemporary art and the most beautiful views of Paris…
TaraHow to get there
By Metro:
Rambuteau (line 11, brown)
Hôtel de Ville (line 1, yellow)
Châtelet (line 1, yellow; line 4, Fuchsia; line 7, pink; line 11, brown or line 14, purple)
By Bus:
Lines 21, 29, 38, 47, 58, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 81, 85 or 96
By RER:
Stop at Châtelet – Les Halles (line A, B or D)
- 13 million visitors a year 99%
- Incredibly detailed 80%
- Contains hidden mysteries 70%
Opening Hours
Open every day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Exhibitions of galleries 1 & 2 close at 11pm on Thursdays
Closed on Tuesdays and May 1st
Near By
1.) Notre Dame Cathedral:
Literally the heart of Paris, it is also the heart of France: in the courtyard you can see the “zero point”, the reference to calculate distances to any other French city. Sightseeing in Paris should definitely begin here!
2.) Sainte Chapelle:
A magnificent chapel and one of the best places to listen to Music in Paris!
3.) Palais Royal Gardens:
Do you want to feel like a King? Visit these gardens and experience the beauty, charm and harmony French monarchy was so fond of!
Why it’s worth visiting
- Admire one of the world’s biggest collection of modern art!
- For the breathtaking view of Paris, similar to the one you could get from Willy Wonka’s glass elevator!
- Check for yourself if it is worth the scandal it was the center of when it was first constructed.
