For several days now, the Place Georges Pompidou in Paris has been completely inaccessible. Large, opaque palisades encircle the square in front of the Centre Pompidou, arousing the curiosity - or annoyance - of passers-by. So, what's going on behind this mysterious barrier?
Fashion invites itself to Beaubourg! This Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 8pm, the forecourt of the Centre Pompidou, privatized for the occasion, will host the much-anticipated Louis Vuitton fashion show, imagined by Pharrell Williams, artistic director of the men's line since 2023, to open Men's Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026.
A giant chequered stage, bleachers as far as the eye can see... the forecourt is transformed into an XXL stage. But this spectacular setting is not without its critics. Access blocked without notice, omnipresent sound system, appropriation of public space... criticism is pouring in on social networks. And it's not the first time. Pharrell's very first parade in June 2023 on the Pont-Neuf had already been criticized for the same reasons.
It's now a well-established habit at every Fashion Week. From Place Vendôme to the forecourt of the Palais Garnier, via the Trocadéro gardens transformed each season into a monumental catwalk by Saint Laurent, iconic Parisian landmarks play the catwalk game, sometimes to the chagrin of local residents.
The forecourt of the Centre Pompidou will remain closed to the public until July 6.
Location
Center Pompidou
centre pompidou
75004 Paris 4
Access
Metro line 11 "Rambuteau" station
