Centre Pompidou: A Landmark Pausing for Renewal
The Centre Pompidou, Paris’s iconic hub of modern and contemporary art, will close its doors for five years to undergo a sweeping renovation. Inaugurated in 1977 and designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers as a building “open to all,” Beaubourg has long stood as a symbol of access to diverse cultures. The ambitious restoration aims to address aging infrastructure, desamiantage (asbestos removal), accessibility enhancements, safety upgrades, and a complete interior reorganization to better welcome a global audience.
The Scope of the Renovation
Desamiantage, Access, and Interior Redesign
Technicians and architects have laid out a comprehensive program: removing hazardous materials, upgrading elevators and circulation routes, and reimagining gallery spaces to improve climate control and conservation conditions. The project also envisions a more flexible layout to host a wider range of media, from immersive installations to traditional paintings and sculptures. The aim is to preserve Beaubourg’s spirit of openness while meeting contemporary standards for safety and accessibility.
Emotions and Farewell
Public Sentiment on the Final Day
The mood at Beaubourg on the opening week’s last day was a blend of gratitude and nostalgia. Visitors recalled the centre’s generosity and its role as a meeting point for all forms of culture. One guest told a television crew that Beaubourg is a place where “we have seen many things,” confessing a touch of emotion as curtains fell for several years. The closing marks the end of an era in which avant-garde daring met broad public access.
A Storied Final Exhibition
Wolfgang Tillmans Retrospective
The final exhibition was a major retrospective of German photographer and artist Wolfgang Tillmans, titled “Rien ne nous y préparait — Tout nous y préparait.” The show invites reflection on a world where nothing is guaranteed, matching the moment’s sense of anticipation for the museum’s transformation and rebirth.
Relocating a World of Art
120,000 Works Moved
To prepare for the renewal, roughly 120,000 artworks were relocated from the nine-level complex—some of them monumental, such as the segment from the studio wall of André Breton. A dedicated technical team catalogued and stabilized every piece, ensuring optimal conservation conditions during the renovation period. The operation underscores the magnitude of Beaubourg’s collection and the logistical feat of safeguarding it while the building undergoes a major revamp.
Beaubourg’s Legacy Extends to Metz
Breton Wall Finds a Second Life
Among the largest assets moved was the Breton Wall, a key surrealist artifact. It has found a second life at Centre Pompidou-Metz, where it has been reassembled as part of the display “Un dimanche sans fin.” Curators at Metz describe the installation as a multi-object, multi-material mosaic that requires careful handling and precise conservation. The relocation signals a broader cultural exchange between Paris and the regional center, reinforcing France’s network of modern art institutions.
Opening Festivities and Future Prospects
Temporary Rendevous and Celebration
During the renovation, Paris will see Beaubourg briefly reopen for three days of celebration from October 22 to 25. The program features contemporary performers and a daytime fireworks display, offering a taste of the renewed Beaubourg to the public. Although the museum will be closed for half a decade, these events are intended to sustain public interest and maintain Beaubourg’s connection with audiences, both local and international.
Beaubourg’s Role in Parisian Culture
The five-year closure marks not only a pause in a living institution but a commitment to its future relevance. With millions of annual visitors in recent years, the Centre Pompidou has long been a beacon for modern art in Paris and beyond. The renovation promises a new era in which Beaubourg can continue to welcome diverse forms of culture under safer, more sustainable, and more accessible conditions.
