The Centre Pompidou, one of Paris's most recognizable and controversial architectural landmarks, will be officially designated as a historic monument in 2026, its president Laurent Le Bon announced. This surprising decision comes just as the iconic museum prepares to close on September 22 for a massive five-year renovation project costing 460 million euros.
The announcement marks a symbolic milestone for the building that houses one of Europe's largest modern art museums. The Centre Pompidou is instantly recognizable with its colorful exterior pipes resembling ship portholes, its facade that evokes construction scaffolding, and its transparent "caterpillar" escalator that offers spectacular views over the city. This architectural marvel has become an integral part of the Parisian landscape despite initial controversy.
The decision to grant historic monument status is exceptional for several reasons. The building was constructed less than 50 years ago, and one of its two architects, Renzo Piano, is still alive – circumstances that typically prevent a structure from receiving such designation. Le Bon confirmed that the Ministry of Culture has authorized the inscription, acknowledging that such recognition is "rare" for such a recent building.
This consecration represents a major step forward in the architectural recognition of a building that was ironically conceived as an "anti-monument." When it was inaugurated in 1977, the construction caused a scandal, with critics denouncing it as an eyesore on the Parisian landscape. The building continues to divide residents today, though its popularity has steadily grown, particularly among young people and foreign tourists, as Parisians have gradually embraced this unconventional addition to their city.
The historic monument designation brings several financial advantages to the Centre Pompidou. These include increased state funding for renovation work, though this also comes with stricter oversight to ensure the preservation of the building's unique architecture. The status also provides additional advertising revenue opportunities that will help support the institution's operations.
The building is entering a phase of extensive renovation work with a pharaonic budget of 460 million euros, of which 280 million is provided by the state. However, 80 million euros still needs to be secured by 2030 to complete the ambitious project. The massive undertaking will transform and modernize the facility while preserving its distinctive architectural character.
During the closure, the Centre Pompidou has launched the "Constellation" program to ensure the public can continue to enjoy the museum's collections through off-site exhibitions. Notable examples include "Niki de Saint-Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten" at the Grand Palais and "Endless Sunday. Maurizio Cattelan" at the Centre Pompidou-Metz. The institution's Public Information Library (BPI) has already reopened on August 25 in the Lumière building in Bercy following a complex six-month relocation process.
To maintain public engagement during the renovation period, Le Bon has announced the launch of "Plateau Pompidou," an innovative project that will allow visitors to tour the construction site and attend events organized on the piazza. This initiative aims to keep the cultural landmark alive and ensure that the surrounding neighborhood doesn't experience a cultural drought during the five-year renovation period. The program demonstrates the Centre Pompidou's commitment to remaining connected to its community even while undergoing transformation.
