Paris
Ile-de-France, France
Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre.
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National Museum of Modern Art, Centre Pompidou
Credit Shutterstock.com/Kiev.Victor
Last updated: 26 June, 2023
The Centre Pompidou revolutionised both Paris and art museums when it opened in 1976 – and this multi-coloured glass and steel structure, designed by ‘starchitects’ Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, is still one of the city’s most exciting modern buildings.
Inside, the fabulous Musée National d’Art Moderne – Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art – takes you from Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky, via Pop Art and Arte Povera, to the latest installation and video art. The multidisciplinary spirit encompasses exhibitions, a cinema, performing arts space, library, bookshop, design shop and a trendy restaurant, Forest.
The celebrated ride up the escalators is still unmissable, providing one of the best views in Paris as the city unfolds before you.
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The nearest metro station is Rambuteau. It’s a 2-minute walk from there. There’s also a car park you can book into. See details on the website.
The permanent collection is free and doesn’t require an advance ticket, however, you will need to book ahead for exhibitions.
Download the museum app before you go – there’s a bilingual tour of the key highlights and masterpieces for adults, and a special family-themed art discovery tour if you have kids in tow.
When you’ve had your fill of art, head to the top-floor restaurant ‘Forest’ – a fashionable destination as much for the funky setting, people-watching opportunities and views as the cosmopolitan modern brasserie cuisine. There’s also a simple café downstairs.
When to do it
It’s open all year round, from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.
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