A bold past, an inspired future — and a neighborhood transformed.
Paris’s Eiffel Tower may be its tallest monument, but the Marais neighborhood’s Pompidou Center has become just as iconic. Now set to close in September 2025 for extensive renovations, the revolutionary building at the edge of the Marais will reemerge in 2030 with a new vision for art, sustainability, and urban living.
A Personal Connection
To 56Paris founder Kerstin Bachmann, the Pompidou holds special meaning. On her very first trip to Paris as a teenager in the early 1980s, she headed straight from Gare de l’Est to see “the latest sensation everyone was talking about,” she recalls.
Sitting on the paved slope out front, soaking in the colors and energy, she thought:
“One day, I want to live here.”
Years later, that dream came true — just a few blocks from that very spot, in the Marais neighborhood she fell in love with that day.
“Every time I walk past the Pompidou, I remember that moment. It’s part of my Paris story.”
But the Pompidou’s path to iconic status was far from smooth.
Before it inspired personal dreams or became a beloved landmark, it stirred intense debate and polarized opinions.
Kerstin Bachmann at the Pompidou Center, 1983 — The same location in 2025 — The Igor Stravinsky Fountain beside Saint-Merri Church
Controversial Beginnings, Lasting Legacy
When it opened in 1977 under President Georges Pompidou’s direction, the building was nothing short of radical. Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, it flipped traditional museum architecture on its head — moving its “guts” to the outside, with color-coded pipes and glass walls revealing the inner workings.
Critics called it everything from “a gas factory” to “Our Lady of the Pipes.” Many felt it clashed with the historic heart of Paris. But over time, the center won people over. Today, it’s considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture, globally recognized for both its permanent collection of modern art and bold temporary exhibitions.
A New Chapter: The 2030 Renovation
Now, nearly 50 years later, the Pompidou is preparing for a major transformation. A team including AIA, Moreau-Kusunoki, and Frida Escobedo will lead the €262 million renovation project.
Highlights include:
* Removal of asbestos and full structural updates
* Improved accessibility for all visitors
* New energy-efficient technologies
* More natural light and transparency
* Revamped public spaces like bleachers, a panoramic rooftop, and gardens
The spirit of the 1970s — radical, open, and ever-changing — is central to this new vision. It’s not just a renovation; it’s a rebirth.
Meanwhile, Art Lives On
During the closure, works from the National Museum of Modern Art will move to a brand-new Pompidou Francilien hub in Massy, just outside Paris. This vast 30,000 m² site will serve as both a conservation center and a new cultural venue.
While the Massy hub marks an important development in the center’s mission, it’s the Marais — with its centuries-old limestone mansions, pedestrian Sunday strolls, and village-like charm — that remains at the heart of the Pompidou’s identity.
Real Estate Near the Pompidou: Then and Now
Back when the Pompidou opened in 1977, its neighborhood was seen as offbeat and a bit neglected. Fast forward to today: the surrounding Marais has become one of Paris’s most desirable areas, known for its historic buildings, creative energy, and central location.
What was once a modestly priced area in 1977 has become one of Paris’s most sought-after neighborhoods, with prices now regularly exceeding €15,000/m² — and climbing even higher for renovated character properties.
In the past 10–15 years alone, the transformation of the area has been remarkable — not only in terms of infrastructure but also in real estate value. The Pompidou Center has long served as a cultural catalyst, and recent additions like the nearby Pinault Collection at the Bourse de Commerce and the dramatic remodeling of Les Halles have further elevated the district’s appeal. Together, these landmarks have redefined the neighborhood, blending heritage with bold contemporary design. For homeowners and investors alike, it’s a powerful reminder of how culture, architecture, and urban renewal can shape long-term value.
Live the Story Yourself
At 56Paris, we specialize in helping international clients find homes in central Paris — including in the historic Marais, where the Pompidou Center continues to inspire.
For our founder, the dream of living near this bold architectural statement began on a teenage visit. Years later, it became reality — a reminder that sometimes, the right property isn’t just an investment — it’s a personal landmark.
Whether you're searching for a pied-à-terre, a long-term investment, or a place to call home, we’re here to help you write your own Paris story.
📩 Contact us to start your search.
📲 Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook for more insights into Paris living and real estate.