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Museum
Centre Pompidou
Modern art museum in a futuristic building with exposed utilities. Europe's largest collection of modern art.
District:4th Arrondissement (Beaubourg)Metro:Rambuteau / Hôtel de VilleTime:2–3 hoursPrice:From €15 (before closure)Official site:https://www.centrepompidou.fr
Crowd indicator
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
When to go?
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
Best time at Mon — 10:00
This day has average visitor density. This slot has a higher chance of a comfortable visit: fewer people and calmer pace. Weather is currently not ideal: overcast ☁️.
30–50% · Quiet60–80% · Moderate90–100% · Crowded
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Day after tomorrow
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Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou is the national museum of modern art, housed in a revolutionary building by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. All utilities are exposed: blue for ventilation, green for water, yellow for electricity, red for elevators and escalators.
What to See
- Collection: Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, Dalí, Warhol
- Panoramic terrace on the 6th floor — free views of Paris
- The square in front — street performers and Stravinsky Fountain
Important
- The centre is closed for renovation until 2030. Check the website for current information.
- Part of the collection is exhibited at temporary venues.
Opening hoursClosed for renovation until 2030. Previously: Wed–Mon 11:00–21:00.
BookingWalk-in is fine
Best timeThursday evening
What to know beforehand
The collection is the largest in Europe: from Matisse and Picasso to video art. 5th floor (1905–1960): Cubism, Surrealism, Abstraction — Kandinsky, Dalí, Duchamp. 4th floor (1960–today): Pop Art, Minimalism, installations. The escalator in the transparent tube is a must for photos (Paris views from every level).
On Place Stravinsky (south side) is a fountain with colorful sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle and Tinguely. Free and wonderful.
How to get there
Nearest stationRambuteau / Hôtel de Ville
AddressPlace Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
How to find the entrance
1
Approach routeStart from Rambuteau / Hôtel de Ville. Leave enough time for the final walk to the actual entrance.2
Security and waitingExpect security, ticket checks, and a short waiting zone before the main entry sequence begins.Centre Pompidou is located in the Beaubourg quarter (4th arrondissement). Nearest metro: Rambuteau (line 11) or Hôtel de Ville (lines 1, 11). Entrance via Place Beaubourg (west side). Queue at the main entrance is usually 15–30 minutes. With online tickets, there is a separate, much faster queue.
The BPI library (free) has a separate entrance and queue. Tip: arrive around 11:00 AM on weekdays for minimal queues.
What to consider before visiting
Prohibited: large bags and backpacks over 40×30 cm (free cloakroom). Tripods and selfie sticks are banned. Photography without flash is allowed in the permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions may prohibit photography. Food and drinks only in café areas. Touching artworks is strictly prohibited.
Strollers are permitted. Pets are not allowed (except guide dogs).
Location and what's nearby
Centre Pompidou stands in the Beaubourg/Marais quarter (4th arrondissement) — one of the liveliest areas of Paris. 5 minutes away: the Marais (fashion boutiques, galleries, Jewish quarter on Rue des Rosiers). 10 minutes: Hôtel de Ville (city hall), Seine embankment. 15 minutes: Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité.
Nearby: Rue Montorgueil (food street), Les Halles (shopping center). The area is full of cafés, bars, and restaurants for every budget.
Tickets & tours
Museum Ticket
- Price: €15 (adult)
- Includes: National Museum of Modern Art (MNAM) + all exhibitions
- Free under 18
Panoramic Terrace Ticket
- Price: €5 (6th floor terrace only)
- Panoramic views of Paris
Combined Museum + Exhibition Ticket
- Price: €15 (everything included in one price)
- Valid all day
Free Admission
- First Sunday of the month — free for all
- Free for everyone under 18
- Free for EU residents ages 18–25
Pricing and how to choose
Price
From €15 (before closure)
- €15 (adult)
Includes
- National Museum of Modern Art (MNAM) + all exhibitions
Price
- €5 (6th floor terrace only)
Price
- €15 (everything included in one price)
At €15, cheaper than most Paris museums. First Sunday is free (but crowded). Paris Museum Pass covers admission. The terrace at €5 is a budget alternative to the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views. Children under 18 are free. The 6th-floor café is expensive but the view is worth a coffee (€5–6).
The bookshop on the 1st floor is one of the best art shops in Paris. The BPI library is completely free (no ticket needed).
Sunset slots and quieter hours
Best time: Wednesday morning or Thursday 11:00 AM–1:00 PM. Closed on TUESDAYS. Thursday is open until 11:00 PM (evening visit is excellent). Busiest: Saturday and Sunday, especially first Sunday (free day). Summer is peak season. Best months: January–March. The terrace at sunset (floor 6) has incredible views.
The square in front is always lively: street performers, musicians, sketch artists.
Reliability & freshness
AuthorAksel Paris Team
Related attractions
FAQ
Is Centre Pompidou open?
Closed for renovation until 2030. Part of the collection is shown at temporary venues.
Is it worth visiting the building?
Yes, the building and square in front are attractions themselves. Stravinsky Fountain is nearby.