Pompidou Center - worth it?
Apr 4th, 2004, 07:15 PM
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Pompidou Center - worth it?
I'd like to solicit opinions on whether I should try to work this in or not.
It is my first trip to Paris and I'll be there for eight days. Does this museum make the top five museums? Top ten?
I've read very little about it, but what I have read talks more about the view from the top and the escalator than the actual museum.
Your opinion is appreciated.
It is my first trip to Paris and I'll be there for eight days. Does this museum make the top five museums? Top ten?
I've read very little about it, but what I have read talks more about the view from the top and the escalator than the actual museum.
Your opinion is appreciated.
Apr 4th, 2004, 07:31 PM
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Yes, I would put the Pompidou on my list for an eight day trip.
It's worth it both in terms of the exhibits, which are great if you are interested in modern art, and for the building itself, which is definitely unique.
You don't need to allot as much time as for the Louvre or the Musée D'Orsay, but I think it's worth a stop.
It's worth it both in terms of the exhibits, which are great if you are interested in modern art, and for the building itself, which is definitely unique.
You don't need to allot as much time as for the Louvre or the Musée D'Orsay, but I think it's worth a stop.
Apr 4th, 2004, 08:00 PM
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If you like modern art, you'll enjoy it. If not, you may just enjoy the elevator ride which is spectacular.
They often have special exhibits and those, again, will depend on your tastes in art. It's rather odd going through a gallery listening to people complain about the collection. Why are they there?
Check their web site and/or a few guidebooks and see if it is something you would enjoy. If not, there are good views elsewhere in Paris. I would recommend it, but I enjoy modern art. Only you know your own tastes.
They often have special exhibits and those, again, will depend on your tastes in art. It's rather odd going through a gallery listening to people complain about the collection. Why are they there?
Check their web site and/or a few guidebooks and see if it is something you would enjoy. If not, there are good views elsewhere in Paris. I would recommend it, but I enjoy modern art. Only you know your own tastes.
Apr 5th, 2004, 03:45 AM
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Obviously it depends on your tastes, as people have pointed out. Right now there's a special exhibition on Miro, until June 28 (I believe), which I would go see if I could.
If my impressions are accurate, the modern art is weighted more towards French artists -- the Americans are not as well represented there as at MoMA or Whitney.
The building designed by Piano and Rogers was celebrated for its "inside-out" architecture (the "guts" of the building are on the outside). The fountain (Place Igor Stravinsky) outside comprises of interesting sculptures by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle. Also, right next to the art museum is IRCAM, where Pierre Boulez (the noted contemporary music composer and conductor) works (presumably). That could be worth a visit, if you're interested in contemporary music.
If my impressions are accurate, the modern art is weighted more towards French artists -- the Americans are not as well represented there as at MoMA or Whitney.
The building designed by Piano and Rogers was celebrated for its "inside-out" architecture (the "guts" of the building are on the outside). The fountain (Place Igor Stravinsky) outside comprises of interesting sculptures by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle. Also, right next to the art museum is IRCAM, where Pierre Boulez (the noted contemporary music composer and conductor) works (presumably). That could be worth a visit, if you're interested in contemporary music.
Apr 5th, 2004, 03:56 AM
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Hello, agree that it is "worth it" for the reasons already stated. Also, keep in mind that it is on the museum pass, and it is open until 10 pm, making it a great place to get a view of Paris at night. You can ride to the top without dining at the restaurant, if you just want to have a look around.
Apr 5th, 2004, 04:07 AM
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It really depends on your taste in art, but I don't think it would be a high priority for MOST first time visitors. What other museums/gallerys do you plan to visit? What will you miss or give up to go to the Pompidou Center?
IMHO, don't waste your time or money on this cold, ugly monster of a building with its lame "art". It looks and feels so out of place in the great beauty of Paris. You can just turn your garbage can over or throw paint against the wall to see the same sort of nonsense at home.
If you must go, make sure its on a pass, and focus on the views from the top and perhaps lunch.
IMHO, don't waste your time or money on this cold, ugly monster of a building with its lame "art". It looks and feels so out of place in the great beauty of Paris. You can just turn your garbage can over or throw paint against the wall to see the same sort of nonsense at home.
If you must go, make sure its on a pass, and focus on the views from the top and perhaps lunch.
Apr 5th, 2004, 04:47 AM
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With 8 days, you should have time to go. Be sure to see the fountain and walk around the outside of the building. As many have noted, the views from the top are great. Unless you like modern art, the exhibits are not especially noteworthy.
Apr 5th, 2004, 05:06 AM
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Others have summed it up well. Thanks Grantop for some points I hadn't considered before, and maybe one day when I've seen all the musuems that are still on my "to do" list I will give it a second try.
As the saying goes, "Been there, done that". I'm not a modern art person, but am glad I visited it once for its unique atmoshphere, especially outside on the place. There are just so many other medieval/gothic/renaissance/romantique/classique musueums that interest me more (I'm like a Cluny Museum groupie). I'm not sure it would make my top ten. But that's me.
Have fun!
As the saying goes, "Been there, done that". I'm not a modern art person, but am glad I visited it once for its unique atmoshphere, especially outside on the place. There are just so many other medieval/gothic/renaissance/romantique/classique musueums that interest me more (I'm like a Cluny Museum groupie). I'm not sure it would make my top ten. But that's me.
Have fun!
Apr 5th, 2004, 05:31 AM
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Even though I mostly agree with the post advising to accomplish the same exhibits by throwing paint against a wall, I am glad we went. After all, how will you ever know if you will like something if you don't try it?
And when we speak of our fond memories of Paris, we always laugh about how lame we thought the exhibits were at the Pompidou! Like the room of cloth - a 10 x 10 space of four walls with 15 ft ceilings that was completely draped with hanks of cloth. Wow - that was really thought provoking - NOT! Or the wads of cotton sculture - a room-size monstrosity stick figure covered with wads of cotton batting - simply awe-inspiring! So as you see, we do not consider this "art". But you may.
So I will, as I often do, agree with Ira: "If you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you will like."
And when we speak of our fond memories of Paris, we always laugh about how lame we thought the exhibits were at the Pompidou! Like the room of cloth - a 10 x 10 space of four walls with 15 ft ceilings that was completely draped with hanks of cloth. Wow - that was really thought provoking - NOT! Or the wads of cotton sculture - a room-size monstrosity stick figure covered with wads of cotton batting - simply awe-inspiring! So as you see, we do not consider this "art". But you may.
So I will, as I often do, agree with Ira: "If you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you will like."
Apr 5th, 2004, 05:45 AM
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crepes, my daughter and I also still share lots of delayed laughs about the crazy displays. Not sure exactly what we were expecting, but it wasn't the bizare, "requires no talent" stuff we ran across.
We always chuckle at how a few proud & arrogant looking people would stare at this one dog food can display and whisper deep insights to each other as if they were in the presence of supreme royalty.
Maybe its worth a quick trip to catch some views from the top and a few laughs.
We always chuckle at how a few proud & arrogant looking people would stare at this one dog food can display and whisper deep insights to each other as if they were in the presence of supreme royalty.
Maybe its worth a quick trip to catch some views from the top and a few laughs.
Apr 5th, 2004, 05:57 AM
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CafeBatavia, I'm not going to debate the merits of various art styles with you, but just because you don't care for something, or don't understand something doesn't make it "lame" - do you feel the same way about the art hung at the MoMA in NYC? Kyoto? The Tate Modern? Or In MoMA SF? Or haven't you bothered to visit those places because you are busy throwing paint cans around at home? Obviously I am not an expert like yourself, but I do not feel qualified to critique the works Miro, Klee, Picasso or Pollock, I can only see them, read about them, and try to educate myself about artists and mediums that may be new to me.
Sure not everyone will love the art work here, and you don't have to spend 5 hours studying it, but part of travel is to broaden your experiences and ways of thinking. If you want safe and predictable you can probably find that at home. For anyone who like to see something different, you may want to join the more the 6 MILLION people who visit this so-called lame institution annually. There is information on their website:http://www.cnac-gp.fr/Pompidou/Accue...ionM=1&L=2
Sure not everyone will love the art work here, and you don't have to spend 5 hours studying it, but part of travel is to broaden your experiences and ways of thinking. If you want safe and predictable you can probably find that at home. For anyone who like to see something different, you may want to join the more the 6 MILLION people who visit this so-called lame institution annually. There is information on their website:http://www.cnac-gp.fr/Pompidou/Accue...ionM=1&L=2
Apr 5th, 2004, 05:58 AM
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Batavia - I toured it with my teenage son, so like you and your daughter, we still have lots of laughs about it. The only things we considered art were the exhibits of furniture, like the bed that was a sardine can with the top rolled back serving as the headboard. Now that took creativity.
Apr 5th, 2004, 06:02 AM
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My family (incl. 3 kids) enjoyed it. It's nice that it stays open late, so you can go in the evening when other museums are closed. The view is cool and the art is fun. Sure, we spent a lot of time laughing and contemplating what makes something "art" (I have a great picture of my husband pondering a canvas painted solid black), but some of the art is nice to look at. It's a bustling place (a very busy theatre and library, too)...I think the art is a nice contrast to the Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay. You could combine it with a shopping trip to Les Halles and a visit to St. Eustache church (all close to one another), or a Marais visit to the Picasso and Carnavelet and Rue du Rossiers.
Apr 5th, 2004, 06:09 AM
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missypie, I like your style! Not afraid to see new things able to enjoy new experiences. Good for you for taking your family to see the museum, if the kids hear about it in conversation, see the building in a movie etc., they will say "hey - I know about that, we were there!" The also had a nice (fun) experience with modern art. Your kids probably enjoyed the experience more than many adults who are too uptight to try/see something different. And I like the way you also knew what was nearby the Pompidou to see and do. Did you have a chance to check out the fountains? - they were fun!
Apr 5th, 2004, 06:23 AM
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grantop - Sorry I struck a nerve with you, but lighten up a little and stop being so defensive and quick to make personal attacks. No need to get so upset because we poked a little harmless fun at the "art" there.
It is very commendable of you to try and educate yourself about new art forms. If you come to enjoy all those rusty nails, sardine beds and dog food can displays, then please go again and partake fully of the "risky", cutting edge", and "thought provoking"
works.
And, yes, the Tate Modern was also lame IMHO. But then, I'm no expert and don't get out much since I paint my house so often! But I do have inspiration: next week I'm going to hire the paperboy to dip each day's paper in a new color and hurl it at the
exterior walls with reckless abandon!
It is very commendable of you to try and educate yourself about new art forms. If you come to enjoy all those rusty nails, sardine beds and dog food can displays, then please go again and partake fully of the "risky", cutting edge", and "thought provoking"
works.
And, yes, the Tate Modern was also lame IMHO. But then, I'm no expert and don't get out much since I paint my house so often! But I do have inspiration: next week I'm going to hire the paperboy to dip each day's paper in a new color and hurl it at the
exterior walls with reckless abandon!
