① Three Major Art Museums in Paris, France
Paris, France, with its romantic allure and countless attractions, remains a beloved destination for travelers worldwide. For those harboring dreams of a Parisian getaway, the 14-hour flight from Korea is a small price to pay for the enchantment that awaits in the City of Love.
Among Paris’s many attractions, the Centre Pompidou is a hallmark of modern art. The Centre Pompidou, known for its striking architectural design, is a versatile cultural complex that opened in 1977. Beyond its role as an art museum, it houses a public library, a sound research institute, a cinema, and more.
In the realm of modern art in Europe, the Centre Pompidou stands as one of the most prominent institutions, boasting a collection of over 70,000 works spanning various disciplines, including design, architecture, photography, and new media.
Every year, this iconic institution draws in approximately five million visitors from around the globe who come to witness its thought-provoking exhibitions.
② Renovation Work for the Next 5 Years
However, you may want to expedite your travel plans if you plan to visit the Center Pompidou. From 2025 until 2030, this beloved attraction will be closed to the public for an extensive five-year renovation period.
They originally slated the renovations for 2023 to 2027, but they extended the closure period by an additional year because of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics schedule. They decided to guarantee that tourists visiting Paris during the Olympic Games could experience this cultural gem.
The renovation of the Centre Pompidou is driven by the need to modernize its facilities and remove asbestos from the building’s structure. Laurent Le Bon, the director of the Centre Pompidou, announced an investment of approximately $3.7 billion into these renovations.
As part of the renovation, they will add a new terrace spanning about 16,000 square feet, which they expect to reduce energy costs by 60%. The unconventional external appearance of the Centre Pompidou, characterized by exposed steel beams and external plumbing for heating, cooling, and drainage, necessitates these modernization efforts.
③ Art Lovers Need Not Worry
As they renovate the main Centre Pompidou building, they will temporarily relocate the 400,000 books from its public library to the Paris Rive Gauche Library in the Rive Gauche district of Paris.
Art enthusiasts need not despair, as the Centre Pompidou has established branches worldwide. In 2010, it opened a branch in Metz, in the Lorraine region of eastern France. The Centre Pompidou-Metz was founded to promote the decentralization of art and has been operating for 33 years.
2015, the Centre expanded to Malaga, Andalusia, Spain, with the Centre Pompidou Málaga. Initially established through a five-year agreement, its success led to a five-year extension. Additionally, the Centre has branches in Brussels, Belgium, and Shanghai, China, facilitating international cultural exchange.
A noteworthy development is the upcoming opening of a Centre Pompidou branch in Seoul, South Korea. Scheduled to open in the first half of 2025 within the iconic 63 Building, “Centre Pompidou HANWHA SEOUL” will provide access to over 1,000 square meters of exhibition space across four floors. HANWHA has secured the rights to operate the Centre Pompidou for four years following its opening.
While the Centre Pompidou in Paris transforms, art lovers worldwide can look forward to experiencing its collections through its international branches. The Centre Pompidou continues to foster cultural exchange and appreciation for contemporary art on a global scale.
As you plan your visit to Paris, remember that this iconic institution will temporarily close its doors, making it imperative to include it on your itinerary before the renovations begin in 2025. The City of Love beckons with its timeless charm, promising an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
By. Seo Sung-min (fv_editor@fastviewkorea.com)
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