Center Pompidou in Paris: architectural fantasy and fashionable art object

The cultural center, located in the quarter of Beaubourg (Rue Beaubourg, 9), is the place where "art goes to the people." Every tourist who is vacationing in Paris wants to get into the wonderful world of architectural fantasy. The unusual building admires the original model of construction: the communication system and all technical structures are outside, and the interior space is occupied by exhibition and concert halls.

After the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the world's most famous museum, the Pompidou Center in Paris ranks third among the main attractions of the French capital.

Architectural masterpiece

The President of the country decided in 1969 to erect a cultural center that could carry out cultural projects that have not yet been realized. Taking the course to modernize the country, Georges Pompidou wanted to create an original architectural object. The competition was attended by 49 countries, and the French unanimously chose the project of an Italian and an Englishman, where it was proposed to take out all the communication networks for the perimeter, thus freeing up the area of the premises.

The rapidly growing popularity of the Center national d'art et de culture Georges-Pompidou, named after the president, opened its doors to visitors in 1977. The audience appreciated the building in a different way, resembling an architectural monster: elevators, pipeline, fittings, vent pipes were outside and were painted in different colors. The extravagant structure, whose appearance did not resemble the elegant architecture of Paris, caused a storm of emotions, but the initial heat of passions passed, and the cultural institution, which has been compared with the refinery, quickly becomes the most popular tourist attraction.

And in 2007, the architects even received the prestigious Pritzker Prize, and the building was called a real breakthrough in the world of architecture. The only building in the world, whose architectural features make it unique, consists of glass and concrete, and such an innovative solution anticipated modern construction technologies.

The Georges Pompidou Center in Paris is a government institution belonging to the Ministry of Culture of France, and its leader is appointed by presidential decree.

Cultural center for all age categories

Of course, the unique cultural center attracts not only an unusual form, but also content. The five-story building, which receives more than 16 thousand visitors daily, includes a huge cinema, where various festivals are held, including arthaus cinema, public library, modern art museum, exhibition halls.

A great advantage for the guests of the center are the places where you can leave the children, not caring about what they will be doing. For toddlers there are special workshops where, under the guidance of adults, they can make figurines from clay or get painting lessons.

Center Pompidou in Paris has received more than 150 million guests. Sixteen years ago, its area was enlarged due to the arrangement of the external territory, and in 2000 the renewed institution reopened its doors for those who wished.

Modern Art Museum

So, what to see the tourist who decided to visit the Pompidou Center in Paris? The National Museum of Modern Art, whose collections number about 60 thousand exhibits, is located on the 4th and 5th floors of the center. The upper level, dedicated to the beginning and middle of the last century, will introduce viewers to the works of Chagall, Kandinsky, Malevich, Picasso and many other great painters. In addition, here you can see curious projects of architectural structures and sculptural compositions.

The lower floor shows different directions of modern art. To stay afloat and not to lose its positions, the Pompidou Center in Paris, competing with modern museums, constantly updates the collections, and tourists will never tire of the monotony of the exhibits. During the year, visitors are given the opportunity to get to thematic and personal exhibitions that cover not only architecture, painting, sculpture, but also photography, design, and applied art.

Public library

The public library, for which the second and third floors are allocated, annually updates both book funds and technical facilities. For example, she suggests wishing to use language labs, reading rooms for the blind. This is not quite an ordinary institution: it stores books, periodicals, movies on various carriers.

On the basis of the library creative meetings and scientific seminars are held. I must say that the book editions are available for reading in the reading room, and you will not be able to take a volume of your favorite poems at home. Our compatriots will be pleased to know that among other things there is literature in Russian, and the library's total fund is 350,000 books, 24,000 periodicals, more than two thousand films and music records.

Cinemas and theatrical stages

On the second floor there are two cinemas, in which retrospectives of famous directors are regularly held. Here you can see the best works and expand your knowledge on thematic excursions.

The basement of the center is occupied by four platforms, which employ advanced theater directors and actors. These are very unusual rooms, devoid of the usual scene, curtains and stalls. Spectators will be able to see not only dramatic performances, but also dance events, musical concerts.

IRCAM

The George Pompidou Center in Paris includes the IRCAM (Institute for the Study and Coordination of Music and Acoustics), which is part of the overall complex, but is housed in a separate building. Works created by a research institution can be heard in various productions and at concerts in Paris.

Stravinsky Square

Stravinsky Square in front of the cultural center has long been a favorite place for creative people. Carnivals, fairs, art exhibitions and creative evenings are held here. And to the right of the architectural masterpiece there is an original fountain of the same name - a whimsical water extravaganza, displaying musical themes from the works of the Russian composer.

The Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, whose photo demonstrates the wonders of architectural art, is the city's most notable art object, and thanks to the courage of the authors and the innovative approach, the cultural institution has evolved into a large-scale project. According to the organizers of the exhibitions, only the sale of tickets for the year brings a profit of 24 million euros.