After several months of being in Paris, I decided to visit the museum. I had gone several years ago and loved it, sadly this was not the same experience. I find it to be very political. There were basically two floors to see and the special exhibition(extra money) was on the top floor. The highlight was a drink on the safe at the top with a fantastic view and a wait staff that should be models. Both men and women. The majority if the pop art they were so famous for is nonexistent and the whole place took me about 2-3 hours to see, so it is a tough sell being one of the more expensive museums in the city. All in All, i would say skip it and see a classic museum. The 5th floor was good, the 6h floor was a statement and too hard to get into unless your really a modern art lover. These are installation pieces not paintings or drawings in any means. read more

Centre Pompidou - Can always count on Koons - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

Incredible multi-disciplinary complex, not only a modern art museum with temporary expositions but also 2 cinemas sala, a great public library, and a peformance space! save time and buy your ticket online and enjoy this amazing place read more

Centre Pompidou - Nice building - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

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Funky building, amaazing contrast to all the structures around it. That is reason enough to go! We saw the special Francis Bacon exhibit--amazing. And the permanent collection shows every significant artist who emerged: cubism, fauvism, and exquisite modern artists like Klee and Louise Nevelson. Capped our exploration that began with the Louvre. The cafe was also good. read more

There are about 47,000 museums in Paris. Of these, the Pompidou Center is the most Pomidoudical. Ok, so this is a modern art museum, though like the MoMA in New York it's definition of "modern" goes back as far as the early 20th century. There's a good mixture of painting, sculpture, and installation pieces. Like most modern art museums, some of the work is intriguing and some of it feels like the biggest bunch of BS that no one wants to admit is BS because they'll be accused of being a philistine who doesn't "get art". My rule is that if you think at least half the stuff is okay and there's a few pieces that really grab you, that's a good museum. The Pompidou Center fit that description. It also had virtually no wait, which is one of the reasons we chose to visit it over more famous museums like the Louvre or Musee D'Orsay. If you're an American tourist like me (and I bet you are, since you're reading an English language review on Yelp!) there are a few tips: 1. There are automated ticket machines in the back of the lobby. Lots of folks gravitate right to the long line (because you see other people lining up and figure "well, they must know what they're doing"). Skip the line and use the machine. 2. The museum is designed to have you go all the way to the top floor first, then work your way down. 2a. Actually, you can't enter the fith floor from the outer stairs. You want to go up to the sixth floor and see that collection, then go down to the fourth floor and take the interior stairs up to the fifth. I know, makes perfect sense. 3. When you enter the fourth floor turn right. Go to the end and there are some of the precious few seats in the entire museum. Now head towards the back of the gallery and you'll find the bathrooms if you need them. read more

On Mondays and Thursdays, the museum is open until 11 pm! Good way to beat the crowds. The Magritte exhibit alone was worth the 14 euro entrance fee. And the view from the sixth floor was just the cherry on top. You can see the Sacre Coeur and the Eiffel tower. read more

Centre Pompidou - One of a hundred Magritte pieces. - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

I loved visiting the Centre Pompidou for a number of reasons. Even though the modern collection is closed until May 27th (I went in the middle of March), 2015, there was still a lot to see. The "Une histoire" exhibit featured hundreds of more recent contemporary paintings, sculptures, installations, music, videos, films, photographs, and more. I enjoyed them because some of them were interactive, and you could literally stay there for hours just wandering around and getting a little lost. The Jeff Koons exhibit on the top floor was also very cool to see and admire and just wonder "..why?" sometimes, haha, but that's what makes modern art so interesting, right? Also, the free wi-fi is nice to use if you do get lost and can't find whoever you're with... I speak from experience. :-) And probably the best part about the centre is that it's open LATE until 9PM (closed Tuesdays), or Thursdays until 11PM!! All the other art museums and sights in Paris close around 6PM. We went on a Thursday, and had been able to sight see during the day so we really felt like we maximized our day when we arrive at the Centre a little after 5 PM. You also get a beautiful view of Paris at night, which is why I recommend going late anyway. read more

Avoid! A disappointing and mostly shutoff museum staffed by the rudest people we met in Paris. The only worthwhile thing about the visit here is the view over paris. We went here on a Thursday , with a museum pass, genuinely excited to see some of the modern art on display. We were looking forward to the Kandinsky's and other modern art classics that are the mainstay of this museum. What we got was a 7 storey building, with 1 available floor for paying visitors, and the rest shut down or off limits. None of the renowned pieces that they advertise are available at the moment - not that they'll actually tell you that before you enter. Their expositions that are advertised all over paris, and the museum itself, are not covered by a standard ticket. This leaves you with a single floor of their most pretentious art from 'upcoming' artists -and of course their over priced restaurant. The entire building was staffed by the most unpleasant people we met in Paris. And I'm a European that is used to European service, but what I experienced here I can only describe as insulting. They seemed to resent your presence in their museum, and are not against showing it. From grunts as answers to why floors were closed to ticket-checkers with Napoleon complexes, not to mention bag checks that make TSA seem relaxed, you wouldn't be blamed for thinking that Paris might be using this building to keep its worst people away from tourists if it weren't a museum. Overall it was an experience so bad it tainted half a day. read more

This, and a few other places, made my last month in Paris bearable. (August: Parisian flight. Everyone goes on vacation and the city fills with tourists. Also, since the hooligans haven't left, it's basically just a scorching hot city filled mostly with tourists and hooligans. Paris is generally lovely, but August in Paris is just shitty. It should be avoided at all costs.) I used to spend full days at this museum sitting in front of various works. People prob thought I was crazy; I didn't care. The Pompidou equals yayness. Hint: EU students go in free, just remember your student card :). read more

The layout of the museum is spectacular; the varied layers, tubes, and concourses. The installations are brilliant as are the sculptures and wall pieces. The staff is helpful and interested. The only place you are going to see Klein, Warhol, and Bacon in Paris - and you will see them presented beautifully. read more

I love this place and can totally understand why it's always so busy! This place is HUGE so come early and come hungry. The building is so fun with clear views of Paris as you go up the escalators. There is a cafe on the main level for a quick snack or a full restaurant service on the top floor, The George. The George is expensive and overrated. The installation exhibitions were some of the best I've seen and I've seen art all over the world. They have a basement gallery just for photography which was so cool. Shop sells great books, sadly all in French, and some cool souvenirs. If you are under 26, the permanent exhibitions are free. Temporary exhibitions are 11€ for students studying art in Europe. Otherwise ticket is 14€. There is a long security process, thankfully, so come early! You could really spend half the day here. PS THIS PLACE IS GREAT FOR PHOTOS!!! read more

I love this museum. I rode my bike here and was able to get a prime spot in front of the museum bike rack. Check the time they are open because the previous year, I tried to visit and they were closed the only day I was in Paris. The building is so beautiful that many people sit on the ground infront of the building and have lunch there staring at the building. I enjoyed my ride up the escalator and took in the nice view of Paris. If you love contemporary art, then you'll love this place too. read more

It looks really cool! But we couldn't go inside because we didn't want to wait at the security gate! If you're not in a hurry I'd recommend going inside though because they have a really nice bookshop in there. I also recommend going upstairs to have a great view! read more

Incredible!! Entrance to the museum with the Museum Pass is on the 5th floor. Take the fun escalators up where you will see the Eiffel Tower in the background as well as the Sacre Coeur. The 4th floor is contemporary art (my favorite) and the 5th is modern art. The contemporary art is truly fascinating and comprises of art that is scandalous, shocking, awe-inspiring, and slightly odd/creepy. A huge contrast to the Louvre. I presume millennials and those between the ages of 17-35 will love the contemporary art on the 4th floor. There was no line when we went on a Monday and it was not too crowded either. read more

Was here last year around Christmas mainly for the Salvador Dali exhibit. That was everything and more that I had hoped for. The exhibit was extensive with Dali's work, paintings, videos, sculptures, you name it. This included Dali's "Persistence of Memory" and an interactive piece "Face of Mae West Which Can Be Used as an Apartment." I know very little about art but I do appreciate it and am familiar with the very famous artists. I was surprised to see some Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky. I took a picture next to Warhol's "Ten Lizes." Who doesn't know Liz Taylor? And who hasn't seen a Warhol?! There were also interesting installations with light, projectors and hanging fabric filled with spices. This is a fun museum and you only need a a few hours to enjoy it. The cafe on the second floor is convenient and there is free wifi. I highly recommend a visit! read more

Gigantic, world-class, top-tier modern art museum. Expansive grounds include a lot of just sunbathing area for locals. Inside are multiple levels of various rotating and a few permanent exhibitions. Really, you have to prepare for just about anything. One video art exhibit when I visited was just a bunch of oiled-up naked people running around on a loop projected on multiple screens around the room. Alrighty then. It will take at least two hours to get a good taste of the museum with three hours being easily doable, but probably too exhausting for all but hardcore art lovers. Highly recommended. read more

I'd normally give 5 stars to any modern art museum, as it is my favorite genre, but this museum in particular falls somewhere around 3.5/4. Overall, the Centre Pompidou is nice, but I think the layout is confusing & the fact that you can't see any of the special exhibitions with the Museum Pass is disappointing. I was so excited that we were staying only a block away & I could go see the Koons exhibit when we had some spare time. Not until we made our way to the top floor did we learn that this exhibit was not included in our pass! Bummer. There are definitely some great views of the city to be had, but I was feeling trapped like a hamster in the tubes/escalator areas while trying to make our way to the top. If you have the Museum Pass, I say take a quick walk through if you have time & want to see some modern art pieces. read more

1. I think this museum might have been excellent and worth the price of admission if only we could have seen the contemporary wing, which makes up half the museum. We waited in line for 45 minutes to go through security, which is fine. But then we waited in another line to purchase tickets. Only when we got up to the ticket window, did we find a small paper stating in French that half the museum was closed. In addition, on the way in there were large signs advertising an exhibit on the floor that was closed, which was very misleading. 2. Our inquiry about a refund of the admission price did not go over well with the staff. The ticket booth directed us to the information booth. There an employee told us to go to the ticket booth. The woman back at the ticket counter argued with us and was clearly offended we even asked. A manager came out and brought us back to the information booth. There, the same man who had sent us away gave us a refund "application." The form must be mailed back. You wait to be "approved." However, it required we write in our checking account numbers! We asked if there was another way to request a refund. Answer: no. 3. We ended up seeing half the museum. The building is like a Habitrail and you are the hamster. But I would add an extra half-star because there are three beautiful Andre Derain paintings on display here in the Modern wing. Derain's work is worth seeing and hard to find in US museums. 4. As far as the "best view in Paris" is concerned -- wash the windows, please! (See photo). read more

Centre Pompidou - Pompidou is badly in need of a window-washing. - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

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Oh my oh my. I love this museum. I love contemporary art. I love the way it shocks you. I love the way it makes you cringe. I love the way it makes you think. I spent all day in this museum during my first trip to Paris, and still talk about some of the art I saw. Also, as some previous posters stated, the view of Paris from the top floor is amazing. read more

I felt like some science experiment gone wrong climbing up the escalator inside the plastic tube on the outside of the Centre Pompidou. Even though there are large plexiglas peepholes that ope to let out some heat, by mid day the stairway had heated up to lab experiment levels, and I was the subject. Finally arriving on the top floor, we stumbled off onto a vertiginous platform overlooking Paris. Breathtaking view, and sharp contrast of the very modern edifice of the Pompidou Centre with the surrounding Mansard-roofed square surrounding the musee. Hot and dizzy from the climb, we spied a terrace cafe, and were escorted to the last two remaining seats. Renzo Piano, the architect, has rendered a very practical design that is not human friendly. The tubular stairway serves as a warming tube for the humans who must ascend. There was only a short line the day we went, a Sunday, and there are many categories for reduced fare at the Centre, including teachers. Refreshed from an iced coffee (similar to Thai iced coffee for its strength and power) we did take pictures of the view, and the large scale Pop sculpture on the roof terrace. We then descended to the main exhibit, which was a truly innovative one, featuring artists from India. The sub continent offered forth their most conceptual and controversial, in a show that featured social commentary work on issues from ecological issues to housing to the roles of women. My particular favorite was a series of semi painted transparent cylinders through which images were projected, showing the ever changing roles of women. The huge goddess face that graced the outside of the art gallery, was also a huge gold leafed statue as you entered. The work was cutting edge and innovative, and a great representation of global trends. If you like modern art with a capital "M," then this is the gallery for you! Artists of the Early Modern movement are superbly represented here, with many Picasso, Braques, and Matisse works. These galleries are light and the work is well displayed. Pop artists also have many works here. Several balconies are open to the public, from which the views are astounding. After your visit, you can chill by the nearby fountain with large scale whimsical colorful sculptures by Nikki St. Phael. All in all, an art pilgrimage worth making. read more

I fell in love with this museum once I was inside it, and outside on the top floors in the sun soaking in views from Sacré-Cœur to Tour Eiffel. The art in the museum on the 4th and 5th floors is so satisfying and exciting (if you like modern art) you'll appreciate the moments in the layout where you're faced with quieting views of the outdoor sculptures in their water pools reflecting sky. read more

Centre Pompidou - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

If you're in Paris and are interested in modern art, this is the place to go. The building itself is an architectural achievement of hamster trail pipes, escalators, and beams...very grand and engaging view from the exterior. I'm no modern art expert, but enjoyed just about everything here. The works are really a breath of fresh air. There is a great rooftop cafe overlooking the city...you can see Montmarte and all the other treaures of the city. read more

Oddly enough I rarely come here to see the art in the building, I come to see the art that is the building. The view from the top is also not to be missed and I have wasted many a beautiful parisian afternoon sitting at the Stravinsky fountain opposite. On one occasion the hubs and I watched a street artist paint the most amazing chalk mural on the floor in front of the fountain. It was incredible and a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. That said, the art inside is actually pretty spectacular if you are in to modern art and even if you aren't it's worth checking out if you haven't before. This museum is included in the museum pass which almost every tourist in Paris has. Only exception is the featured gallery, there is an extra ticket for that. read more

Up, and up and up you go. There is only one direction to go, and that's up at the Pompidou. One of Paris' premiere landmarks for modern art. An homage to industrial design with its exposed exoskeleton of steel, the Pompidou is like a machine ready to come to life at any moment. The escalators are located on the outside of the building, which means you get amazing views of the city as you ascend higher and higher. Most of the limited-engagement exhibits are located on the topmost floor. For my visit, the retrospective of Lichtenstein was the star. read more

Definitely worth another visit. This place is massive and as you walk up to it you might be saying to yourself "do I want to commit to seeing this place." We only did the special exhibition of Jeff Koons and the Modern Art floor. We had a pram and everyone who didn't need to use the lift were using it so we had a hard time getting onto one. There are escalators for the people who can walk FYI. We were basically hanging out with elderly and other prams because people couldn't figure out that they had legs. Anyway you need to keep your ticket out for every exhibition space you go into because they scan it every time you enter a new floor. When you walk in and need tickets go to the Automatic section it's way faster and you can press for a different language. read more

This place was worth the visit- the view from the escalator is amazing. There are tons of great pieces in this place and they don't brag about it. The very modern pieces are a bit too modern for me but I still enjoyed it. The layout of this place makes it a bit difficult to make sure you see everything but I was very glad that I went there!! This place is not really considered a "must see"- but it should be. read more

First, there's the art. Some of it is really awesome and much different than what you'll see at the other major museums. Secondly, there's the view from the top of the escalator. Take it all the way to the top! Thirdly, free public bathrooms if needed, but they are super smelly. read more

Loved the space and the collection. Think Whitney (space) meets MOMA (collection). I can see where the new Whitney takes its inspiration from :p The lines move fast, we didn't t pick up a ticket in advance, but still got in quickly. The views of the city from various vantage points at Pompidou are priceless. read more

A beautiful center for culture! Wonderful arts in all kinds of shapes and forms, I would highly recommend going there! Especially if you are a student because of the student discount, The lines can be quite long but it is well worth the wait! I just thumbs-up from me a Danish student! read more

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I love contemporary art, so I had to check this place out while I was in Paris. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't much substance within the museum itself. It was more interesting outside of the museum watching people performing street performer style and art students peddling their wares. A lot of exhibits were closed the day we went so there were even more stuff we missed out on. It's ok, it was still a decent experience. If this is the first time in Paris for you, deifnitely check it out. read more

If you appreciate modern art, then come out here. This place is huge! Do not eat at the cafe or restaurant, since it's way overpriced. If you want a cheap bite without waiter service, then walk around and go the boulangerie for sandwiches, desserts, and soda. Then go and sit outside the museum with your to-go food. read more

My experience at the Centre Pompidou was completely spoiled by a terrible experience at the cloakroom - my coat was wrecked, and the staff were rude and unhelpful in response. After my visit, I collected my coat and found that it was severely damaged. It looks like it had been deliberately cut and then torn on the bottom left panel, around the pocket, which was also torn open. This was such a strange and really unpleasant incident that was made worse by the ineffective response by Pompidou, and Agence Axcess (who run the cloakroom). I was told that the cloakroom manager would contact me the next day, which did not happen. When I returned in person the next day, I was told that discussions would have to take place higher up in the chain of management about some sort of reimbursement, and that I would be contacted shortly. This did not happen, and I had to personally return to the museum again in order to be told that a reimbursement would not be possible. As this was an unprecedented occurrence, I asked if I could speak to someone higher up in management, and was told to contact Agence Axcess at 3.30pm. My calls were ignored, and I imagine I will not be contacted, and there will be no repercussion or compensation for the incident beyond the shallow apology I received from the cloakroom manager at Pompidou, which amounted to little more than a shrug of the shoulders. This has been altogether an unpleasant and ridiculous experience - if I'd had any idea that my coat would not be safe in the cloakroom, I wouldn't have left it there. I had no valuables in my pockets, and there is no apparent reason for the damage save for a blatant disregard for guests' property. I would expect a better response to this from a nightclub, let alone one of Paris' major museums. This is on top of an experience that includes long, poorly managed queues on entry and unclear information on the galleries and artworks. Really disappointed overall by my entire experience at Pompidou, and particularly by the managements' inability to provide any excuse or reasonable apology. read more

I'm not a modern art fan but if you are, this is a great museum. The building itself is quite interesting and I loved the fountains outside. The exhibits were just nothing special. It's a large museum so you can easily spend over two hours here. Admission is €11 during the off season but €13 in high season. It is covered in the Paris Museum Pass so you'll want to pick one up. read more

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Everything!!!!! Possibly my favourite museum in all of Paris, super fun and colourful. Never boring. Just an amazing place to go. Take your time! read more

I mean....not the belle of the ball in Paris. Manageable size if you have been conditioned to be overwhelmed by the usually gargantuan nature of museums in Paris...Pompidou is a few floors that will probably take 2-3h to blow through. Modern and contemporary art - both of which I like a lot, I just didn't think that they collection was worth writing home abt - though the view of the city and Eiffel Tower from the sixth floor is easily the best you will find - if you're a panorama pic person, perhaps this alone is worth the price of admission. Good futurist/constructivism - and excellent rooms with architectural models and drawings - oh, if you're there before Jan 2015, the Frank Gehry show is fantastic. €13 for adults - on Fridays they don't open until 11a..because of course. read more

Incredibly overwhelming modern art museum. From the moment you enter the building you're made aware of your surroundings and the machinations of your surroundings. Newer exhibitions are at the top floor - as is the café which offers a breathtaking view of the city. More permanent exhibits are on the middle levels and the cinema, library and gift shops are on the lower levels. Really loved the recent Lucian Freud exhibit as well as the Dreamlands exhibit. read more

Centre Pompidou - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

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Huge Collection of Modern Art! The distinctive Centre Pompidou has multi-colored "pipes" wrapping it around with crazy lines making it stand out in the city. It is huge inside with multiple levels displaying galleries flowing into galleries of modern art and sculpture. If this kind of art is to your taste you will find yourself short of time to cover it all! The only reason it is a 4 is that the outside is looking tired and a bit derelict which is a change from my last visit. TIP: 1) Get a museum map before your trip and work out your priorities to make the visit better. 2) Make sure you are in the correct line as there are a few: one to buy tickets, one if you have tickets and one for the Paris Museum Pass. 3) Consider the Paris Museum Pass - buy online in advance and have shipped to you. The pass provides access to 60 museums including the Louvre, Notre Dame, Versailles, the Arc d'Triomphe, Musee d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, etc. Carefully select your days and do not use it until you are ready to start your visits because the days start running from the first use. The pass is a deal if you are seeing a group of museums over a short period of time. read more

I love everything about the Centre Pompidou. The external design is super modern and is a great juxtaposition against the historic backdrop of Paris. Make sure you take the time to walk around the outside of the building to view the colored pipes on the exterior. It really is an amazing sight. Once you purchase your tickets, you must take the external escalators up to the museum floors. The view of the courtyard below is nice, especially when there are students/locals/tourists hanging out having lunch. It really makes you feel like you're part of the city. The exhibits within the museum were all really interesting. I love modern art, and the many interpretations that viewers can have, but it does help to have a frame of reference. I looked up the artists and their pieces, but you can also rent audio guides that cover some of the more impressive pieces. Make sure you carve out a few hours for your visit to Pompidou because some of the pieces take time to view if you want to see the whole thing (videos/music based pieces/projections/etc.) In addition to contemporary artists, the museum also houses paintings by well known names such as Picasso and Kandinsky. Definitely worth every penny. read more

This place is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. The structure, design, and decor is unbelievable and nothing you have ever seen! A visit here is a must and if you are a student in Paris, check out the library upstairs. There are many spots and seats to sit down and study. Also, don't forget to check out the museum inside. The different types of art exhibited are absolutely incredible! read more

Fabulous fabulous fabulous view. After rather a late start to our Sunday, we'd seen one of our group race off to an exhibition here, whilst we strolled about and drank expensive coffee. But, despite thinking the building is pretty ugly, it's also got a certain charm about it. Modern buildings look so fantastic against the backdrop of Paris, so this building made me smile. But, enticed by the escalator that whooshed to the top of the building, we popped in and I was treated to one of the most amazing views I've ever seen. Everything from the Eiffel Tower to Sacre Coure was in perfect view (despite it being a fairly grey day). We spent about an hour just staring at all the pretty. And realising that we couldn't wait to come back to fit in the bits that we missed. The gallery itself is enormous. There's so much space here. It's more than a garllery - imagine if the whole of Southbank was one huge building and you get the idea. The Elle women's exhibition was on and that's a whole lot of modern art for one day. If you like modern art, you'll love it here. Apparently museums in Paris are free on the 1st Monday of the month so we lucked out, but I'm not sure how much it would be otherwise. But, I bet it'll be worth it for that view. It's just amazing. read more

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