Paris - A Must See Attraction

                                            

During my five-week program, there was one place I returned to again and again: The Centre Pompidou. This six-story monster of a building is smack dab in the center of Paris’s La Marais district. It is a bustling place with a variety of Asian cuisine, vintage shops, gay bars, and much more, although how could you ask for more? Amidst all of the choices La Marais offers, the Centre Pompidou is, if I have any sway, the place you must visit. 

Okay okay, so what is the hype? Well, I’ll break it down floor by floor. The first floor is a feast for the eyes with views into the cafe and kids' corner (which is filled with fun colored blocks that scream “jump on me!” alas the age limit is ten.) To either side of you are large boutiques one with a specialization in stationary and books the other with knick-knacks and collectibles. Each offers unique gifts for yourself, and I guess others too. If you can drag yourself out of the gift shop and make your way up the building, you will be greeted with fantastic views of the city. The escalators are exposed and zigzagged along the building making the place look like a hamster’s funhouse. We were told this building is where Nike got the idea for the Nike Air Force’s exposed air pocket. As the escalator ascends, on the right you can see the Sacre Coeur and to the left the Eiffel Tower. 

But what is the Centre Pompidou? It is many things, on the third floor there is a library open to all. It is a great place to find some quiet in the busy city and catch up on work. There are also computers and books and desk space if you are in need of any resources for your class. Unlike some of the other libraries, there is no need to start a library card to use the space. Additionally, it is so large there is always room. At some of the smaller local libraries, I couldn’t find a table or desk to sit at. 

On the fourth and fifth floors, there are contemporary art exhibits free for art students! Just make sure to purchase your ticket online ahead of time. Our class was fortunate enough to get a tour of the two floors. Our guide showed us some highlights but there is so much to explore. All the more reason to come back several times, find your favorites, and share them with others. There was even a live art exhibit where an artist was in a glass box surrounded by screws, flowers, toys, candies, and trinkets. You could go up and ask him to place different objects of your choosing on the scanner. Then, he would scan and print your artwork as a souvenir. 

            

On the top floor, there is a rotating art exhibit and a rooftop restaurant. If you thought the views were good from the escalator, you will be blown away by the 360 view inside. I was fortunate to have a foodie friend of mine visit and we dined there. The food, like the art, was contemporary. So, if you decide to splurge, be prepared for the meals to be deconstructed and plated as art themselves. 

Exploring the Centre was a favorite pastime of mine while abroad. I hope, if you have the chance to visit, it gives you as much inspiration, curiosity, and happiness as it gave me.