Beaubourg Competition of 1971: A Free Exhibition Showcasing the Architectural Proposals for the Pompidou Center

The Centre Pompidou building was created following an international architectural competition. Explore other notable entries from the contest — alternative versions of the Centre Pompidou that might have existed in Paris. These intriguing designs are showcased in a free exhibition by the Academy of Architecture, open from January 30 to February 22, 2026.

From the moment it opened, the Centre Pompidou has sparked controversy: its unconventional architecture stands out in the heart of Paris. With its bold, colorful pipes, exposed ductwork, winding structure, and imposing presence, the museum is as beloved as it is debated.

Designed by architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, and Gianfranco Franchini, this iconic building was born out of an international competition in 1970. In 1969, President Georges Pompidou decided to establish a center for art and culture in Paris dedicated to modern and contemporary creation. He launched a global architectural contest to bring this unique space to life—one that would be accessible not only to artists but also to the general public. Over 680 entries from 46 countries were submitted for the project.

The Academy of Architecture in Paris has decided to showcase some of its most surprising projects. In a free exhibition running from January 30 to February 22, 2026, the Academy revisits this competition that encouraged architects to unleash their imagination and creativity.

The exhibition Beaubourg Competition 1971: A Turning Point in Architecture explores a time eager for transformation, when architects and designers aimed to break free from the past and embrace the future. It was an era when technological advancements grew steadily and captured the imagination of the public.

Along the route, visitors can admire drawings, archival documents, and architectural plans that envision a new museum open to all. Within this dozen or so projects, some ideas are quite imaginative—think buildings shaped like eggs or flying saucers... But there are also sketches by renowned architects like Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, and Gianfranco Franchini, the creators of the Centre Pompidou we know today.

This exhibition also offers an opportunity to reflect on museums and their architecture, considering how they blend into their surroundings and how visitors experience them. It invites a rethink of fleeting design trends and the obsolescence of buildings...

Until the Center Pompidou reopens, revisit its roots with this free temporary exhibition held at Place des Vosges in Paris.