I thought it was a warehouse. I thought it was a warehouse from the outside, and, after I walked in, I STILL thought it was a warehouse. Where was the art? What was with all those neon lights? Was that a dead body...? Ok, maybe it wasn't a dead body. Maybe it was just an installation of art. And it wasn't actually that freaky (although some of the art on display is, understandably, somewhat disturbing and thought-provoking-- like all art justifiably should be, so I guess they're doing something right!). ((NOTE: If you are a student in the EU (this includes those of you with a Schengen visa, like I had in my passport), you get in to the main gallery for free. So there's nothing holding you back. Do it.)) I am a great fan of modern art (I think the majority of my time in the European museums was spent, aside from the stereotypical works, browsing surrealist, cubist, and other contemporary styles), and Centre Pompidou houses quite the collection. Unfortunately, my newly healed broken ankle didn't quite let me enjoy the entire permanent collection, but . . . what I did see, I did enjoy! There was a special collection on display featuring women in and of art. It was interesting, but not my favorite, I suppose. I preferred the permanent collection. But that's just me . . . read more

This is definitely the Modern museum in town. You notice that from the unique outside appearance. If you like Modern with the likes of Picasso and Dali, this is the place in Paris for you. I don't put it up there with the likes of the Orsay, Orangerie, and of course the Louvre. It is lively and entertaining and it offers great views of the city from the 5th and 6th floors. In addition, the outside of the museum is as exciting as the inside. read more

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Blah. Ugly from the outside, ugly from the inside... No toilet paper in the toilets... At least they have a ticketing system for computers, so even random visitors can get a little time slot. And it's all free. A good place to spend a bit of time warming up if it's pouring down rain outside. As for the CDI (library)... I'm not sure I'd recommend it. It does seem to have a lot of books, but finding things isn't a piece of cake. And the loos are just awful. Truly. read more

the Jeff Koontz exhibit was tremendous fun & full of surprises. Surface, the top floor restaurant was a tea stop for us-great views inside & out! read more

Centre Pompidou - Surface' interior is stark and austere, perfect for the Pompidou's contemporary format. - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

This was my favorite museum in Paris. I didn't love their permanent collection, but they have an exhibit called "Dreamlands" that I spent hours in. It a number of different utopian and paradise projects from the World's Fair to Disneyworld to Dubai. The museum also offers a really incredible view of Paris. Go here. Don't miss it. read more

I waited in line in a brick center for about half an hour to see this museum. I watched young children play and gypsy artist perform. It is my favorite museum in the whole world. It was floor after floor of the most amazing art work I have ever seen. The installations were brilliant and the colors in every piece drew me in like a moth to light. dreaming of going back. The staff was extremely helpful and the directions were clear for navigating the museum. My French is by no means superb. read more

First off, you want that view of Paris from above? Want it for free with virtually no line? GO HERE. Do the normal walk though at Notre Dame, skip the roof tour, it takes several hours to get up there, and they only let you stay up there 10 minutes. I don't generally get a thrill from Modern art museums, this place is exceptional. Based on the lack of ridiculous crowds Pompideu Center is practically a secret as far as I can tell. This contemporary building has one of the best modern and contemporary art museums I have ever seen. To top it off the view from the lovely Surface offered wonderful dining, was a stunning place to share a meal and the view of Paris. I loved travelling up the plastic tube/ escalator on the outside of the building. Below the center are street performers, actual french people, and several lovely Gothic Cathedrals and plenty of other dining options. Had I found this neighborhood earlier I would have spent more time in it. read more

I don't get all the glowing reviews. I heard the fountains were great, but they were not running when I was there, the doors to the outside balcony where they were located were locked. Windows were dirty so the supposedly great views weren't that great. Inside bathrooms were filthy, even though I saw a cleaning lady leave as I entered. The outside fountains were also filthy, full of trash and the water was a disgusting shade of green. If you must go, buy your ticket ahead of time so you don't waste time standing on line. read more

The Pompidou is something that all tourists should take the time to visit whilst in Paris. It is a huge art gallery with several exhibitions on at the same time and even if you aren't an art fan, you should still pop in as it is quite a sight from the outside and from the top you can get an excellent view of the city without having to queue up all those hours like you do on to go up the Eiffel Tower. There is a gorgeous restaurant up there as well which is very very expensive, but if you can afford it, do it! read more

This is a very nice museum of contemporary art. If you go to Paris and like contemporary art, this place is obligate to go to. read more

A Must See if you are in Paris... beats spending hours wandering round the Louvre which IMHO is far too extensive to take in one visit ! Great views from the escalators and the cafe on top level. The area of Les Halles and Marais , which is very lively and typical Paris is only a short stroll away. Stay away frm rue de Rivoli.. mostly overpriced boutiques for the uber rich tourists !! read more

Worst service. Waited 3 hours outside while 8 security guards sat inside not letting anyone in doing nothing. Not worth the wait.

So much to see, we couldn't get through it in one day since we were coming from other museums. Some very interesting art (like big framed color blocks), it was cool to see the Picasso pieces. A bit warm when riding the escalators which were outside the building, but other than that, it is a great place to appreiciate modern art. read more

Centre Pompidou - Kids appreciating art - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

The staff in Infant Gallery are rude, offensive, and disgusting! They didn't welcome my toddler, nor want her in their infant Gallery. The entire point of the infant gallery is for kids and toddlers to play and explore. The nasty woman with long jet black hair this morning that works there told us we were "not allowed, not welcome" bc my toddler cannot put together the pieces in an art format. She told me her age at 2.5 was too young for the infant section. When I Walked by an hour later, other toddlers and kids were running around, doing as toddler do. Not making art of the structures, but learning through play, as one would expect. I am disgusted by that woman and this establishment as a whole! read more

Their permanent collection is amazing. It flows so well, and you could spend 3-6 hours on the two floors. I went for the monthly free day and had to wait in line for about an hour, but once I got inside it really wasn't too crowded. They have lots of space for sculptures and installation pieces and videos. It was all really impressive. They have a cafe that you can't take outside food into. read more

If you want to go to the Louvre to say you've gone to the Louvre - do it - it is breath taking .. If you want to really be inspired by modern contemporary art and an almost 40 year old building that still seems ahead of its time - go to Pompidou .. It can be a bit daunting to navigate if you are compelled to look in every room as I am but it is worth it .. my suggestion, skip the security line and go to the rooftop restaurant entrance and have a beer and a burger first (it will be the classiest beer and burger you have while in France) .. the view up there is amazing and then you can bypass the line on the first floor for tickets, as you are already in the building. read more

One of my favorite places in Paris and one of the best contemporary art galleries in the world! Everything about this institution is forward thinking and creative from the amazing building structure which has all the pipes and parts that would traditionally be hidden inside the building on show to the world on the outside. The views as you go up their escalator (also on the exterior of the building) are magnificent and you haven't even made it inside the building yet! The art work is often fantastic on the couple of occasions I have been lucky enough to visit. Though not pushing any overall agenda or showing that much confronting work the art in general is quite fun and good for art aficionados as well as people who just have a passing interest in the art world. I would highly recommend visiting for at least 4 hours as a minimum because there is always just so much to check out! read more

Amazing views. Bought my tickets on my phone and didn't see the maps which were only located near one in person ticket option. There was no way for me to figure out where the permanent exhibits were without asking. I think even on the various floors going up its not very obvious where the entrances are. Would have loved more maps on the wall for first time visitors. read more

amazing structure amazing view of the city buy ticket at lobby, take escalator up to the 4th floor --thats where the museum entrance is. the museum is must less crowded then the other ones..which is good because you can actually appreciate each piece of work. read more

When I first got here and saw the centre from afar I thought it looked like a ship factory, it's massive, colorful, like if it was made out of huge legos and pipes. In the inside there are cinemas, a cafe, a library, a book store, a permanent art exhibit and temporary ones changing often (I saw the surrealists here -they had everything from the objects to Bunuel's 'Un Chien Andalou', the minimalists and Kandinsky, and some other weird installations). Take a little time to see the panoramic view of Paris at the top, and come to the biggest library ever (they also have films and Cd's), it is a impressive brain factory where students and researchers from all fields sail to the seas of knowledge. read more

A slightly tired guano splashed classic piece of architecture with a great collection. The permanent collections is curated with great skill. We caught the Othoniel exhibition on our visit. I felt it and comtemporay French art to be at the forefront. Great energy and clarity brought together some great pieces and I was truly impressed. I reckon French art is way ahead of the competition right now. It seems to be, as countries art does, be coming together in a really exciting way. Always a pleasure and never a pain the pompidou has a fascinating collection of art in an area that, unfortunately, becomes increasingly unpleasant to visit. Les Forum des halles which sits aside the Pompidou is a in need of leveling and rebuilding. It attracts large groups of youths and many beggars and just feels unsafe although I have no idea if the facts are different. The huge numbers of police seem to make one think all is not well. And the Café in the main hall should ashamed. The worst coffee I have ever had and the tarte aux pommes was disgusting. read more

The Pompidou is definitely a place to go visit while visiting Paris. Approaching the museum it simply looks like a hamster cage. The construction of the building is so odd and I've never seen anything like it before. The best part of the Pompidou is the free view of Paris you get from taking the elevators to the Gorge which will be on the far left. Venture out into the top of the museum and you will find yourself atop of Paris. I didn't pay to see the exhibit, but the museum will set you back no more than 12 euros. They also have a great gift shop where you can get cool gifts to take back home. The courtyard of the museum is very lively with street performers and artists showcasing their talents. And if you get tired for a bit venture out to the Forum which is a shopping mall right next to it for some good cheap finds. read more

We only came here to see the excellent view and have a glass of wine on the rooftop restaurant. I cannot believe the view from the top of this place, I'd come here again just to see the beauty of the view and sit doe a long time in the restaurant at the top. I think you end up taking 6 or 7 escalators too the top and it is well worth it. You arrive in the restaurant and everything is completely white, except for a single long stem red rose on each table, it's really very romantic. The food and drinks are pricy but if you're a romantic like myself you find room in your budget! read more

By far the most amazing collection I've ever seen. The Pompidou made my trip to Paris (pouring down rain, 40 degrees) 100 times better. Aside from the incredible design of the building, it's contents are unbeatable. If you love contemporary art, this is your mecca. read more

maybe the most controversial building in paris, it launched richard rogers and renzo piano's international careers. a must-see. It is all about being open: Opens the functional guts of the building for all to see as a metaphor (imho) for being an open space, inside and out, serving the neighborhood and the city. if admission prices are too high (and they are) and there is no current temporary exhibition that interests you, just take the escalators to the top floor cafe and admire the view. read more

This is one of my favorite cultural centers in the world. The museum is outstanding, the movie theaters always features great movies and the library is one of my favorites in Paris. read more

I love this museum. Picasso and Miro, two of my favorite artists, can both be seen here, as well as Dali. The building itself is quite neat with it's "inside out" architecture. If you are fortunate enough to visit Paris do take the time to browse the Pompidou in addition to Musee d'Orsay and the Louvre. read more

Spectacular veiws and peices of work, but hot and stuffy.

We visited several museums in Paris, Decoratif, D'Orsay, Pompidou, Louvre, Romantique, and Jacques-Mart Andre, and this was one of my favorites - my favorite was the Decoratif - tied with D'Orsay for second. It is a lovely, spacious, and uncrowded, with great modern art pieces. read more

Interesting building. My wife called the building "ugly". Then again, neither of us understand Modern Art.

The building is kinda ugly. The escalator up feels like it takes forever. The exhibits are nice though.

Very nice atmosphere. You can almost see the whole Paris there. Food are Not bad. But you are there mostly to enjoy the view.

The outside of the building should alert you to the fact that you are about to embark on a strange experience. Spending so much time in the museums featuring classic pieces then going to this one was almost a shock to the system. Contemporary art is at times very weird but always interesting. I definitely enjoyed it! read more

Best museum ever for contemporary art and design. Love the Pompidou!! It's not as well known as others in Paris, but definitely a place to go read more

If you want to crack your brain and turn it inside out, look no further than the Pompidou. Everything in this place will make you think and realize another reality. It wasn't mind blowing, but mind boggling. Some of the featured arts were simple, think of an all black canvas (ring any bell?). Then you see vultures eating intestines. Its that kind of weird that makes this place even more exciting. read more

This place is amazing!!! my favourite place in paris.More modern art i say it like that because i dont think that everything on show is art however i still like it alot read more

I love this Modern Art musuem , it has a great design with esculators on the outside and the art work is fun , not boring old paintings , If you go to Paris you have to go here! read more

Current Dali exhibition is incredible! Be sure to go around 5:30 to skip the 3hr daytime queue!

I visited the centre with a 2.5 year old but there was enough to interest him, for a short visit at least, as well as enough to keep the adults interested as well. The view from the top is great. There's always plenty going on in the square out front as well. read more

A unique building with a theme of 'outside-in' and 'inside-out'. A must visit, or at least a glance while you're in Paris.