If you are a fan of modern and contemporary art, you might be familiar with the Centre Pompidou, one of the most prominent art museums in France. Located in Paris, the Centre Pompidou houses over 120,000 works of art from various genres and movements, such as Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, and Minimalism. It also features a library, a performance theater, and an iconic “inside-out” architecture that showcases its mechanical structures.

But did you know that the Centre Pompidou is expanding its global presence by opening its first Korean outpost in 2025? That’s right — through a partnership with Hanwha Corporation, a leading retail to construction conglomerate, the Centre Pompidou x Hanwha Museum Project Seoul will be launched as a satellite museum that will showcase some of the Pompidou’s collections as well as present art works independent of the Pompidou collection.

The new museum will be located in Hanwha’s 63 Building skyscraper in Yeouido, western Seoul, occupying four floors as well as underground space. The space will be designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who is known for his involvement in projects such as the remodeling of the Louvre Museum and Incheon International Airport. The museum will host special exhibitions biannually featuring masterpieces from the Pompidou Center, and it will pay royalty and consulting fees to the center in return for the exhibits. The museum will also pursue modernity and innovation by displaying art works that reflect the cultural diversity and creativity of Korea and Asia.

The Centre Pompidou x Hanwha Museum Project Seoul is expected to be a new cultural landmark in Korea that will enrich the local art scene and attract international visitors. It is also part of the Centre Pompidou’s strategy to extend its international reach as it prepares to shut down for renovations that could last four years starting late 2023. The Centre Pompidou already has branches in Spain, Belgium, China, and Saudi Arabia.

But what is the history behind this renowned institution? How did it become one of the world’s leading centers for modern and contemporary art? Let’s take a look at some of the key facts about the Centre Pompidou.

The idea for a multicultural complex that would bring together different forms of art and literature was first proposed by André Malraux, France’s first Minister of Cultural Affairs, who wanted to decentralize art and culture by political power.

In 1968, President Charles de Gaulle announced the Plateau Beaubourg as the new site for a public library and a modern art museum. A year later, Georges Pompidou, who succeeded de Gaulle as president, adopted the project and decided to name it after himself.

A design competition was held in 1970 to select an architect for the project. Out of 681 entries from 49 countries, a team composed of Renzo Piano (Italy), Richard Rogers (UK), Su Rogers (UK), Gianfranco Franchini (Italy), Peter Rice (UK), Edmund Happold (UK), Ove Arup & Partners (UK) won with their radical proposal that exposed all functional elements such as pipes, ducts, and cables on the exterior of the building.

The construction began in 1971 and lasted until 1977. The building cost about $200 million at that time. It was formally opened on January 31st by President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. Its industrial-looking exterior attracted controversy for its contrast with its surroundings and its brightly colored services.

The building consists of eight levels: two underground levels for parking; level zero for reception; level one for IRCAM (Institute for Research and Coordination Acoustic/Music); level two for Bibliothèque publique d’information (Public Information Library); level three for temporary exhibitions; level four for Musée National d’Art Moderne (National Museum of Modern Art); level five for administration; level six for restaurant; level seven for panoramic terrace. The Musée National d’Art Moderne has one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art.

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Sources:

• 1.https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/

• 2.https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/03/20/business/industry/Korea-Pompidou-Center-Hanwha/20230320175735706.html

• 3.https://news.artnet.com/art-world/centre-pompidou-seoul-2272832

• 4.https://v.daum.net/v/20230320175818396

• 5.https://www.masterclass.com/articles/le-centre-pompidou-guide

• 6.https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pompidou-Centre

• 7.https://www.eutouring.com/history_of_the_pompidou_centre.html