Renovations for Paris’s iconic Art Museum, Centre Pompidou, are set to take place in 2025 when the museum will close its doors for five years and reopen to the public in 2030. The modern structure was first completed in 1977 due to a collaboration between British architect Richard Rogers and Italian Architect Renzo Piano. The original construction comprises an inside-out approach as the façade consists primarily of glass with steel pipes and bold-coloured tubes holding the exterior staircases and walkways. The design of the Centre Pompidou is described as ’a huge spaceship’ by Piano as it is unexpectedly found in the heart of Paris alongside the typical romantic architecture of the city.
After almost 50 years of serving as a beacon of art and culture, it has been decided that the Centre Pompidou requires extensive renovations to address the dilapidated issues, lack of accessibility and other problems that have come to light over the decades since it opened. The anticipation for these much-needed changes is high, and the task of leading this monumental project has been entrusted to the renowned French studio Moreau Kusunoki Architects, winners of the competition, with the esteemed Mexican practice Frida Escobedo Studio serving as the associate designer. The renovation engineering will be supported by the French firm AIA Life Designers.
The architects have ambitious plans for the renovation, aiming to insert 70,000 square feet of usable space in the library, rooftop, or the conversion of the underground bus garage. This floor space will address one of the most noticeable issues – the lack of accessibility and movement space around the museum. These additions will create abundant space for a more comfortable guest experience. The Centre Pompidou, always on the modern and experimental side of art, will further elevate its status with the mass addition of floor space, allowing for even more experimentation amongst artists while retaining the light and spacious interior.
One of the most significant goals for the architects was to attract more daylight deeper into the museum without disrupting the original façade. Conserving the original building of Centre Pompidou was of utmost importance for the architects as they continuously consulted with one of the original designers, Piano. The designers’ commitment to enhancing the existing aspects of the initial design, promoting openness and brightness with natural light and colours, is a testament to their dedication to preserving the Centre Pompidou’s unique character. Specific elements from the main entrance gallery that block views through the façade will be removed to allow the natural light to dive deeper into the museum.
Specific spaces within the Centre Pompidou are currently restricted for public access, such as the rooftop on the seventh floor. The architects’ plan to strip back these regulations and update the rooftop to be readily available for public access clearly indicates their commitment to enhancing the public’s experience. The rooftop, offering spectacular panoramic views of Paris from the museum’s location in the fourth arrondissement of the city, will soon be open to all. Once laid behind closed doors, the museum’s main library will then transition to open to the public, offering guests maximum inclusiveness and a glimpse into the world of art and culture.
The centre Pompidou is about culture, creativity, inclusiveness, and modern art. The museum is full of every artistic representation anyone could dream of, from sculptures to dance to movies; it has even started a segment on the up-and-coming NFT technology. The centre acts as a hub for contemporary art, which is not only open to all forms of art but also to all people. The centre is based on the idea that admittance should not rely on money, allowing any contemporary art lover to join the celebration. The spirit is in the guests; if someone visited the museum today, they would see homeless people and refugees as they are always warmly welcomed into the hub.
The next step of the renovation includes a more extensive program to welcome families and small children. A recreation hub spanning two floors will offer social areas designed for specific age groups of children as well as a library dedicated to the children. This further improves the inclusivity of the Centre Pompidou as it acts as the perfect family day out, catering to the needs of each and every family member, no matter the age.
The single-storey art gallery facing the centre will be renovated as its façade will be completely opened to allow more natural light, following the style of the main Centre Pompidou. Besides the architecture, the landscaping of the square outside the centre. These landscaping alterations will include adding ramps and multiple terraced areas to help blend the overall site seamlessly into the surrounding city of Paris.
One of the designers from 1977, Renzo Piano, said, ‘I believe the winners of this competition have fully understood the spirit of the Centre Pompidou’ as he was on the panel of jurors who decided who the competition in question. Moreau Kusunoki architects regularly consult Piano, but he has complete faith in the architects’ vision and claims that their project is the perfect balance of conserving the architecture whilst renewing specific elements which allow the building to maintain its integrity. Rogers and Piano had always imagined the Centre Pompidou would require renovations every 25 years, and for the first time since it was built in 1977, that day is here.
References:
Crook, L (2019). Centre Pompidou is high-tech architecture’s inside-out landmark. [online]. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2019/11/05/centre-pompidou-piano-rogers-high-tech-architecture/
Jonas Roche, D (2024). Moreau Kusunoki and Frida Escobedo reveal Centre Pompidou 2030 rénovation plans. [online]. Available at: https://www.archpaper.com/2024/06/moreau-kusunoki-frida-escobedo-centre-pompidou-renovation-plans/
Peacock, A (2024). Moreau Kusunoki and Frida Escobedo set to renovate Centre Pompidou. [online]. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/06/21/centre-pompidou-2030-renovation-moreau-kusunoki-frida-escobedo/
O’Brien, C (2023). Paris’ Pompidou Centre will close in 2025 for five-year renovation. [online]. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisobrien/2023/05/27/paris-pompidou-centre-will-close-in-2025-for-five-year-renovation/
Images:
Image 1. Takashi images. Initial exterior of the Centre Pompidou. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/64028/ad-classics-centre-georges-pompidou-renzo-piano-richard-rogers
Image 2. Kiev.Victor. Exterior exposed pipework of the Centre Pompidou. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/64028/ad-classics-centre-georges-pompidou-renzo-piano-richard-rogers
Image 3. Moreau Kusunoki Architects (2024). Main gallery of the Centre Pompidou. [render]. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/06/21/centre-pompidou-2030-renovation-moreau-kusunoki-frida-escobedo/
Image 4. Moreau Kusunoki Architects (2024). Natural daylight of the Centre Pompidou. [render]. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/06/21/centre-pompidou-2030-renovation-moreau-kusunoki-frida-escobedo/
Image 5. Moreau Kusunoki Architects (2024). Children’s recreation space of the Centre Pompidou. [render]. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/06/21/centre-pompidou-2030-renovation-moreau-kusunoki-frida-escobedo/
Image 6. Moreau Kusunoki Architects (2024). Exterior gallery. [render]. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/06/21/centre-pompidou-2030-renovation-moreau-kusunoki-frida-escobedo/
