Centre Pompidou Paris : a hub of French Art and Culture

Centre Pompidou Paris is a daring and spectacular building; one of the most well attended visitor attractions in France. The inspiration for this marvellously egalitarian concept came to President Georges Pompidou in 1969. He wanted to create a place which would serve as a central hub for all contemporary French art and culture. Designed as an example of expressionist high tech architecture by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, the Centre Pompidou opened in 1977. Among other attractions it houses the National Museum of Modern Art and several temporary exhibitions each year. From the Hotel Marais Bastille you can cross the historical Marais district and reach the Beaubourg area and the Centre Pompidou in less than half an hour. 

Centre Pompidou Paris; multifunctional and magnificent

The design of the Centre Pompidou can best be described as an expressionist cast exoskeleton. An exposed framework of tubular steel columns supports the building, and the conduits for air, water, electricity and elevators, each colour coded, are sited externally, giving the exhilarating impression of a building turned inside out. This is entirely appropriate, as this is simply an exterior representation of the modern art to be found inside. The centre is used for a number of functions.

The prestigious National Museum of Modern Art houses the leading collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe. Here are held some 60,000 items including works by Chagal, Matisse, Picasso and Kandinsky. A colossal public reference library, the Bibliotheque Publique Information occupies three floors with a massive collection of 450,000 books, plus periodicals and multimedia resources. The IRCAM centre for musical and acoustic research is also located in the Centre, along with performance halls and two cinemas which present retrospective programmes concentrating on particular directors and periods.

There are also educational activity areas, bookshops, restaurants and a design boutique. Additionally, some of the finest views in all of Paris can be enjoyed from the top level of the Centre Pompidou.

Hotel Marais Bastille recommends the many attractions of the Centre Pompidou Paris

Our modern hotel has much in common with the ethos of the Centre Pompidou in that our design is chic, uncluttered and appealing to all. From the 3 star Hotel Marais Bastille you can easily access public transport to take you anywhere in Paris.

Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3 star Design hotel in the heart of Paris.