Beaubourg

travel  wonder in France

Why Beaubourg
is special

The Beaubourg's striking architecture (see photo) and its splendid modern art collection makes it one of Paris's top attractions.

Tips & insights on

Beaubourg Museum

The Beaubourg has several venues. The star is the French National Modern Art Museum. It houses acclaimed works by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Dali and other famous 20th century artists.

After visiting the museum, go up to the top floor for an absorbing over-the-roofs' view of Paris.

Beaubourg is the popular name (gained because it resides in the Beaubourg district of Paris).  Officially, it's the Centre George Pompidou.

When it was opened it 1977, the unusual design was highly controversial. Its critics gave it many unflattering nicknames, including "garish oil distillery". Today, most Parisians relish its looks.

The Beaubourg has an inside-out architecutural design. The steel superstructure and the utility pipes are exposed conspicuously on the outside, not hidden internally. This creates a conversation piece and allows broader, more flexible internal space for exhibiting modern art.

To make the structure even more interesting to visitors, the exposed pipes are color coded: blue (air conditioning), white (ventilation), yellow (electricity) and green (water). And, the elevators and escalators are red coded.

Jugglers, mimes and other street performers entertain the crowds in the square in front of the Beaubourg.

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My French

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

French cuisine

I hope your France travel dreams come true - and that 

my Beaubourg page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications