the pompidou centre

pompidou.jpg (19724 bytes)
The pompidou centre

France is home to some very exciting modern architecture, including the Georges Pompidou Art Centre. Designed by an Italian-British team of architects and opened in 1977, the building looks almost like it's been turned inside out! It is usual for functional things like plumbing and wiring to be hidden, but in the Pompidou Centre they are there for all to see. Huge colourful pipes snake throughout the building, and escalators run up its side in clear plastic tubes, giving a fantastic view of the city. Although many Parisians claim that they detest the Pompidou Centre, it is the most visited attraction in the city.

photo © Georges Meguer Ditchian

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