Centre Georges Pompidou - (Museum of Modern Art)

The Pompidou Centre was named after the French president George Pompidou who in 1969 made the decision to dedicate the Plateau Beaubourg in the 4th arrondissement to create the centre. The project started as an architectural competition and for the first time in France the competition was international with 49 countries having competitors and 681 individuals competing. The winning concept was chosen by a jury of international judges chaired by Jean Prouve, an architect/engineer and won by the Italians, Renzo Piano and Gianfranco Franchinim and an Englishman, Richard Rogers, who at that time were all hardly known. The project was a massive undertaking and wasn't finished until three years after the conclusion of president Pompidou's term of office in 1977. It may prove useful to note that, due to its location, the Pompidou Centre is locally known as the Beaubourg. Since opening the Pompidou Centre has brought enjoyment to almost 200 million visitors.

This building is also home to an extraordinary public library and there are many restaurants and other amenities available on the premises as well. The available amenities include a bookshop, bookstands, a post office, a cloakroom and a 24 hour car park. Other facilities include free Wi-Fi access and workstations where visitors can connect their laptops to a power supply, print documents and make photocopies.

Those planning a visit to the Pompidou Centre have the option of booking their ticket in one of many ways. Bookings can be made online, via telephone as well as at the centre itself. However, it is recommended that visitors book their tickets well in advance whenever possible in order to avoid disappointment. The Pompidou Centre is definitely an essential itinerary item for all those visiting Paris. It will make for a day out that is filled with culture, creativity and enjoyment, one that will not be quickly forgotten.

Nearby attractions: District of Beaubourg and Notre Dame Cathedral