Paris's widely-visited tourist hotspot is undergoing a 5-year transformation and revamp, aiming for a complete makeover.
In the outskirts of Paris' historic Marais district, the vibrant, industrial-style Pompidou Center stands out like a contemporary art gem. Its peculiar design, with exposed pipes and bright hues, breaks the mold of the traditional 19th-century buildings characterized by tall windows and ornate balconies in the area. This unconventional appearance was the brainchild of French president Georges Pompidou, who admired the progressive design of modern museums like the Guggenheim in New York.
The Pompidou Center was envisioned as a testament to the harmony of various art forms, with a focus on constantly evolving modernity. Its extensive restoration five decades after its opening aims to capture this original spirit and fortify the building against contemporary challenges. The five-year mandate is supported by France's Ministry of Culture, with a substantial budget allocation.
However, the architectural jewel's facelift comes at a time of turmoil in the Paris art scene. The Louvre Museum, one of the most famous art institutions in the world, recently underwent a critical review to address issues with its historic structure, which house world-renowned masterpieces.
Despite its impressive collection of over 140,000 pieces, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, the Pompidou Center is not immune to challenges of the 21st century. Technical impediments have left the building lagging behind, with outdated technology and energy-consuming systems. Asbestos, a toxic substance once commonly used for fireproofing, necessitates extensive removal. Moreover, beefing up security measures has become increasingly crucial, given ongoing threats of terrorism.
The renovation costs an estimated 260 million euros and will address these concerns, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and artistic ingenuity. To appease critics, management has seized this opportunity to freshen up the museum's identity, pledging an extensive cultural makeover.
The initiative to reinvent the institution was met with mixed reactions. Some ensemble of French art world critics have characterized the closure as a serious mistake, bracing against the loss of an important symbol of French modernity. However, Paris has experienced a boom in privately-funded modern art spaces, such as the Louis Vuitton Foundation and the Bourse de Commerce, which houses the Pinault Collection.
Architectural firms AIA, Moreau-Kusunoki, and Frida Escobedo Studio will handle the renovation project. The plans include reshaping the interior and exterior, featuring exhibitions, movie theaters, performance spaces, and retail areas, all of which will receive an upgrade. Famously named "the year of metamorphosis," the center's staged closure will unfold over five years, impacting visitors from 2025 to 2030.
Despite the Pompidou Center's temporary shutdown, the museum will remain an integral part of the cultural community. Movies and performances will be held in alternative venues throughout Paris, including the Grand Palais. Parts of the permanent collection will tour France and various worldwide locations. The central feature of the BPI, which houses over 18,000 printed works, will be relocated to the Lumière building in the 12th district of Paris, and the Kandinsky Library will be available for visitors to peruse.
At the helm of this ambitious renovation project is husband-and-wife duo, architects Nicolas Moreau and Hiroko Kusunoki. The couple will orchestrate a revitalized Pompidou, flexibly incorporating different art styles within the expansive building. Embodying a social shelter, the revamped Central Pompidou will function as less of an institution and more of an art and culture extension of the city, promoting physical engagement and social interaction.
Sources:1. Centre Pompidou. (2019). Changes to Come at the Centre Pompidou. https://www.pompidou.fr/en/news/press-room/changes-centre-pompidou2. MacGregor, E. (2021). Is the Centre Pompidou making a serious mistake by closing down? The Art Newspaper. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/is-the-centre-pompidou-making-a-serious-mistake-by-closing-down3. Edwards, J. (n.d.). The Centre Pompidou: Reinventing the Iconic Parisian Contemporary Art Museum. https://www.ibtmworld.com/news/the-centre-pompidou-reinventing-the-iconic-parisian-contemporary-art-museum-16r3-cp7062184. Soucey, E. (2020). Centre Pompidou d'un total de 261 millions d'euros, France Culture. https://www.franceculture.fr/emissions/ettes-petites-muses/france-culture-letterre-du-20-fevrier-20205. Centre Pompidou Slated for Renovation. (2018). The Art Newspaper. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/centre-pompidou-slated-for-renovation
The upcoming renovation of the Pompidou Center is expected to address 21st-century challenges, such as technical impediments, energy consumption, and security concerns, thereby ensuring its continued relevance as a contemporary art museum. With the closure of the museum for five years, starting from 2025, Paris will witness an influx of art and culture events at alternative venues, providing an opportunity for the city's artistic community to thrive.
