Wolfgang Tillmans Exhibition Closes Paris’ Pompidou Center Before Renovation

UPDATE: The renowned Pompidou Center in Paris is set to close its doors this autumn for a major five-year renovation, with German photographer Wolfgang Tillmans‘ exhibition serving as the final showcase. This urgent closure, scheduled for September 22, 2025, will see the iconic institution undergo extensive upgrades, including asbestos removal and fire safety enhancements.

The Pompidou Center, famous for its radical architecture and modern art collection, will temporarily relocate its vast collection of over 120,000 works, including pieces by legends like Frida Kahlo and Marcel Duchamp, to various museums in Paris and beyond. With a visitor count exceeding 3 million in just 2024, it ranks as one of the most visited cultural sites in France, second only to the Louvre.

This autumn marks a significant moment for art lovers as the Wolfgang Tillmans retrospective titled Nothing could have prepared us – Everything could have prepared us takes center stage. The exhibition spans over three decades of Tillmans’ work, showcasing his influential contributions to photography through diverse mediums such as portraiture, still life, and documentary photography.

The Pompidou Center, named after former President Georges Pompidou, was once considered an architectural scandal when it opened in 1977. Its exposed pipes and unique design challenged the traditional aesthetics of Paris, yet it eventually became a beloved landmark. The upcoming renovations aim to enhance visitor experience and safety, ensuring the center remains a cultural beacon in the heart of Paris.

As anticipation builds for the Tillmans exhibition, visitors are urged to seize this last opportunity to experience the Pompidou’s vibrant atmosphere before the extensive renovations begin. The work is expected to commence by the end of 2025, with a grand reopening planned for 2030.

What’s Next: Art enthusiasts and locals should act quickly to attend the Tillmans retrospective before it closes. The Pompidou’s ambitious renovation promises to reshape the future of one of the world’s most significant cultural institutions. Don’t miss this chance to witness history before the doors close for the next five years.

Stay tuned for updates on the renovation progress and future exhibitions as the Pompidou Center prepares for its transformative journey.