The Palais de Tokyo, one of France's premier contemporary art centers, is set to close for extensive renovation work as the government's 2026 budget proposal includes an engagement authorization of nearly 46 million euros for construction work lasting at least 18 months. This closure would mark another significant blow to Paris's contemporary art scene, coming as the Centre Pompidou remains shuttered for at least five years.
The building's deteriorating condition has been a growing concern for years. Since 2018, the art center's management has been raising alarms about serious structural issues affecting the facility. The problems include water leaks in exhibition spaces, marble panels detaching from walls, significant cracks in the upper courtyard area, problematic electrical installations, and thermal insulation comparable to that of a garden shed.
The Operator of Heritage and Real Estate Projects (OPPIC) completed an audit in late 2021, which formed the basis for initial renovation plans. However, the scope and cost of necessary repairs have escalated dramatically. In 2022, the Court of Auditors reported that construction costs were estimated at a minimum of 15 million euros. The current budget proposal reveals this figure was vastly underestimated, with the engagement authorization now reaching nearly 46 million euros.
According to the budget document, the renovation would require a complete closure of the site for a minimum of 18 months, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2027 if the authorization is approved. The financing plan calls for spreading the 46 million euros between 2027 and 2028, requiring 23 million euros per year. This raises concerns about budget allocation, as officials question which other heritage site projects might be sacrificed given that the Heritage program budget is already under strain.
The upcoming parliamentary debate is expected to provide answers about funding priorities and project scheduling. The situation is particularly complex given previous discussions about temporarily relocating part of the Centre Pompidou's operations to the Palais de Tokyo during the Pompidou's renovation. With both institutions potentially closed simultaneously, questions arise about where the Palais de Tokyo's programming and collections will be housed during its closure period.
This development underscores the broader challenges facing France's cultural infrastructure, as multiple major institutions grapple with aging facilities requiring substantial investment. The parliamentary review process will be crucial in determining not only the fate of the Palais de Tokyo renovation but also the broader approach to maintaining France's cultural heritage sites.
