Closure begins for Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou in Paris closed its doors on Monday, September 22, 2025, for a five-year renovation period, with an expected reopening in 2030. The closure is part of a major modernization project aimed at upgrading the building’s infrastructure and safety standards.

Renovation budget and cost increase

The Minister of Culture announced a budget of 262 million euros for the project in May 2023. However, by September 2025, the estimated total cost had risen to 460 million euros, with 280 million euros to be covered by the French State. This represents a significant increase from the original budget.

Asbestos removal and funding details

The project includes the complete removal of asbestos from the building, which is described as a necessary step to bring the structure up to current safety standards. According to the Centre’s president, Laurent Le Bon, 100 million euros of the remaining 180 million euros needed after the State’s contribution have already been secured, with hopes of finding the remaining 80 million within five years.

Design and technical teams selected

The interior renovation was won in 2024 by the agency Moreau Kusunoki, in partnership with Frida Escobedo. This part of the project is estimated to cost 186 million euros. The technical aspects of the project are being handled by AIA Life Designers, with construction expected to start in early 2026.

Reasons for the renovation

The reasons for the renovation include addressing corrosion, wear, and outdated safety and energy standards. The building, originally designed to handle 5,000 visitors per day, currently receives five times that number, highlighting the need for upgrades to accommodate the high volume of visitors.

Energy efficiency and structural changes

Laurent Le Bon mentioned that the renovation will reduce energy costs by 40%, partly due to improved airtightness. The project will transform the interior from the basement to the top floor while preserving the building’s external structure. The Centre is also expected to be listed in the inventory of historical monuments in 2026.

Historical context of renovations

This is not the first major renovation of the Centre Pompidou. In late 1997, the Centre closed for 27 months for a project led by Renzo Piano, one of its original architects. The current renovation is expected to last more than double that time, and the budget is significantly higher than the previous one.

Artworks and temporary storage

Of the 150,000 artworks in the Centre’s collection, 2,000 have been relocated for the construction. A new storage facility in Massy, in the Essonne department, is set to open by the end of 2026. Despite the renovation, the Centre will continue to display its collections in France and abroad, including an exhibition at the Grand Palais.

Future plans and new features

Upon reopening, the Centre Pompidou will feature a new 10,000-square-meter forum with interconnected exhibition halls, performance spaces, and cinemas. A public terrace on the seventh floor will offer panoramic views of Paris, enhancing the visitor experience.