Sunday, February 19, 2006

From the rooftop of the Beaubourg Center


You probably have a picture like this if you went to Paris and went up the Beaubourg Center - also known as the Pompidou Center (after the name of a former President of the Republic). This very famous, controversial art center is located in the center of the city and has a glass and metal structure that makes it very particular. If you look at this picture you can guess where I took this shot.

17 comments:

  1. I remember how indignant my Parisian godmother was when the Pompidou Center was built. She thought that it was an architectural outrage - and one may still argue that it is. I am not an urban planner but, frankly, it is located at the edge of a very historical area.

    I have been inside the building only once in my life. Your photo makes me want to go back.

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  2. uh...I think I'm with Elizabeth's godmother...but the art pieces inside compensate for everything. I can't really get the black and white constrast so sharply on my camera...any tips for me Eric?

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  3. I guess architecturally speaking, the Pompidou building is a a bit out of place amongst all those beautiful period buildings, but the art work inside is marvellous. It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing piece of architecture (in my humble opinion), but wandering its corridors and trying to make sense of it all can be a fun experience.

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  4. I thought Parisians have finally embraced the building ... didn't they hate the Eiffel Tower at first?

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  5. Nice picture! I did not get to visit this when I was in Paris. Although, I did pass by and hang around the courtyard.

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  6. Hi Eric - have the fountains outside been renovated yet?

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  7. I suppose you could get used to a building like that if it were located ... somewhere on Legoland. It really doesn't belong where it is.

    I love the pictures, however, both Eric's and the night one, linked to this post. Great idea, thank you, Eric.

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  8. I love the place. The incongruity is appealing and the artwork is wonderful.

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  9. I'm not sure which is worse...this place or Tour Montparnasse. Neither represent the "soul" of Paris to me.

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  10. THIS time to Paris I will visit the Pompidou Center. I am about to book a trip. This winter stuff is killing me and I need something to look forward. Who else will be in Paris in late May 2006? Let me know and we can have a glass of wine together!! jdsmyser@hotmail.com

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  11. Nice shot Eric! Love the construction of your photo :)

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  12. This is another great photo Eric. When you first see the Pompidou Center as an American, you might remember the old Habititrails they used to advertise for your pet mouse or hamster. Now a view from inside of one is priceless.

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  13. Maybe not the most pleasant architecture on earth but one cannot imagine what a relief it is to have here and there a few buildings that give Paris a chance to be something else than just a museum-city ! Considering it's location, the fact is that, unlike the Tour Montparnasse it doesn't spoil the view -unless you look a t it from roofs-, and the street around it are not that remarkable.
    Should it despair lovers of "Paris for lovers", our city is dying from the lack of imaginative and courageous landmarks like this one…

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  14. A running joke is: "What is the best view of Paris?" The Tour Montparnasse because you cannot see it.

    Unfortunately, you can see the Centre Pompidou from it. And vice-versa. So either way, your view is spoilt.

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