The Centre Georges Pompidou, displaying and promoting modern and contemporary art, is far and away the most visited sight in Paris. Built between 1972 and 1977, the hi-tech though daffy design has recently begun to age, prompting face-lifts and closures of many parts of the Centre. Woven into this mêlée of renovation are several good (though pricey) galleries plus a free, three-tiered library with over 2000 periodicals including English-language newspapers and magazines from around the world. A square just to the west attracts street musicians, Marcel Marceau impersonators and lots of unsavoury types selling drugs or picking pockets.

How to get there

• By metro (subway) (stops Châtelet-Les Halles, Hôtel de Ville, Rambuteau)
• Phone (general switchboard) : (+33 1) 44 78 12 33
• Info on weekly programs : (+33 1) 44 78 49 19

Opening hours

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday : noon - 10pm
• Saturday, Sunday, holidays : 10am - 10pm
• Closed on Tuesday

Admissions

• Museum
• 35FFrs full cost
• 24FFrs rebates
  
• Grande Galerie : 45FFrs - 30FFrs
• Galeries Nord et Sud, Forum : 27FFrs - 20FFrs

Pass for all exhibits

• 1 day : 70FFrs - 45FFrs
• yearly : 160FFrs - 100FFrs (until 29th September 1997)

For special fees, please enquire (+33 1) 44 78 14 63