Centre Pompidou Closes for Five-Year Renovation to Reinvent Itself

G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : AFP

The iconic Centre Pompidou in Paris, one of the world’s most renowned modern art museums, is set to close for five years as part of a major renovation project aimed at future-proofing the structure. Since its opening in 1977, the museum has been a cultural landmark, celebrated for its radical inside-out architectural design by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano. However, as it approaches its 50th anniversary, the building faces significant technical challenges, including asbestos removal, sustainability upgrades, and security enhancements. The closure, set to last until 2030, marks one of the most ambitious overhauls of a major European cultural institution in recent history.

The Centre Pompidou attracts over 3.2 million visitors annually, showcasing an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall. Its national library, performance spaces, and cinema also serve as vital cultural hubs. While the museum’s free-to-access areas, including the Bibliothèque publique d’information (BPI) and its famous “caterpillar” escalators, have made it a beloved public institution, the aging infrastructure now requires extensive modernization. The primary concern is the presence of asbestos, a hazardous material that must be carefully removed, alongside an urgent need to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. The sprawling structure demands significant energy for heating and cooling, making sustainability improvements a critical component of the renovation.

The decision to close the Pompidou for a complete overhaul rather than carrying out phased renovations has been met with resistance from some cultural figures. Critics argue that shutting down one of France’s most significant public cultural spaces for half a decade is a mistake, particularly as private art institutions such as the Louis Vuitton Foundation and Bourse de Commerce continue to expand. An open letter from leading members of the French art world urged authorities to reconsider, emphasizing the Pompidou’s public service role and advocating for a staggered renovation plan. Despite these concerns, French authorities and the museum’s leadership insist that the closure is necessary to ensure the safety, functionality, and long-term viability of the institution.

The renovation project, led by the Paris-based architecture firm Moreau Kusunoki in collaboration with Mexico City’s Frida Escobedo Studio, aims to transform the Pompidou into a more versatile and sustainable space while preserving its original identity as a “factory of art.” The redesign will introduce a panoramic rooftop deck, revamp exhibition and performance spaces, and create an interactive children’s area. In a nod to modern urban planning trends, the museum’s large underground car park will be repurposed into cultural spaces, reflecting Paris’ ongoing efforts to reduce car traffic in the city center.

During the closure, key elements of the Centre Pompidou will be temporarily relocated. The BPI and Kandinsky Library will move to the Lumière building in Paris’ 12th district, while traveling exhibitions will be showcased across France and internationally. The museum’s satellite institutions in Málaga and Shanghai will also host portions of the collection, ensuring that its legacy remains accessible. The extensive overhaul represents not just a physical renovation but a reimagining of the Pompidou’s role in contemporary society. With an emphasis on community engagement and a shift away from the overwhelming digital saturation of modern life, the new Pompidou aspires to be more than just a museum—it aims to become a dynamic social and cultural hub for the future.