The Pompidou Centre and the Musee D'Art Moderne Museum in Paris

The Pompidou Centre, or the official name of Centre Georges Pompidou, or the other name of Beaubourg due to where it is constructed, or if you prefer its nickname of "the inside out building" due to how the building techniques which were used to provide much space, has much to offer for all of the family.

Although the history of the Pompidou Centre shares some light onto why it is here. With the initiative of French President Georges Pompidou who longed for a free public library to gain information but also a multi-cultural centre that would become home to Musee d'Art Moderne and more.

The opinion of the Pompidou centre can vary from being hideous to some and for others being an interesting tourist attraction in Paris, which has picked up popularity over the years. With millions of visitors from around the globe who visit the Modern Art Museum and the Pompidou itself, it has become one of the top places to visit while on holiday in Paris, suitable for all ages.

Within the middle you can find Biblioteque Publique d'Information, or for short, BPI, and it is a free to use informational library which provides many documents - both visual and audio, materials and much more which are up to date. On the same floor you can also find the Mezzanine cafe.

In the centre also there is the Musee d'Art Moderne museum which showcases many different arts which over the years have accumulated to over 60,000 different pieces of work to make it the largest collection in Europe which covers both the 20th and 21st century.

Obviously as you can imagine the building is very large, but even so it cannot display all of the artworks at once so there are different exhibitions over the year. With another part of the museum found on level 4 dedicated to contemporary art and a modern art section one level higher on level 5.

This tourist attraction has an unusual construction as we mentioned it is known as the inside out building and it makes the construction of the Pompidou centre rather unique due to having all ducting, escalators etc on the outside. But in addition to the museum and library, there are also two cinemas found at the Pompidou Centre, where one is on the 1st floor and the other is in the basement level where you can go and watch a film of your choice.

Also there is an area made for children for ages twelve and below, known as the Galerie des Enfents where workshops are available. As well at the 13/16 Studio which is designed specifically for teenagers with interactive workshops and it is available for free.

In other nearby areas you can find other sections including a graphic design studio, graphic arts galleries and other sections dedicated to media and film as well as a bookshop, cafe and much more.

Centre Georges Pompidou also has a visitors lounge and various information areas for the Musee d'Art Moderne, which generally translates to the Museum of Modern Art, as well as terraces on the 5th floor and not forgetting the restaurant named Le Georges on the 6th floor which proves fantastic views across Paris.

The centre is open every day except for Tuesdays and on the 1st May. From 11am it opens through to 10pm, although on a Thursday it stayed open an hour longer for exhibitions on the 6th floor.

The Musee d'Art Moderne is open from 11am to 9pm and has the same day closings as the Pompidou centre, whereas the BPI is open from midday to 10pm on weekdays and 11am until 10pm at weekends.

The centre is also accessible for those with disabilities with the entrance for them being on Rue du Renard is needed to be used, instead of the main entrance the piazza on Place Georges Pompidou.

Although there are also themed visits which are held here throughout the year in accordance to the different temporary exhibitions which are on display at the time as well as different workshops available.

Additionally there are also documentaries and films about the artists available in the lounge of the Museum of Modern Art on the fourth floor.

Also if you wish for an audio guide you can get one at the stand beside the bookshop in either English, French, German, Spanish or Italian.

Access to the centre for all the exhibitions and museums is valid for a whole day as well as giving you access to the panoramic views of the 6th floor. And for under 18s the permanent exhibitions of them museum are free, as well as being free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month.

There is also a panorama ticket you can buy if you are more interested in the view which can be seen, although for people under 18 it is free and those under the age of 26 who are a resident of the EU are also free, and only being €3 for those who do not fall into those categories make for a great way to see out over the rooftops of Paris and possible see some of the tourist attractions in Paris.

So if you are visiting for a holiday in Paris the Pompidou Centre is a great place to visit with just one of the many museums in Paris and other tourist attractions in Paris for you to visit, great for any age.

www.eutouring.com - Published by Kate Davis - European traveller and author of travel to guides to Paris holidays along with research for French monuments, tourist attractions, museums and much more by helping people to get the most out of a holiday in Paris.

Article Source: Kate_J_Davis

Famous Historical Places in France

Preparing for Your Paris Vacation

Paris, France is a vacation location that most people only dream of visiting. For those lucky enough to get there the options of what to see and visit are numerous. The history of France dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and many monuments and locations are still open to visitors today. It can be very difficult to figure out what all you need to see and where to begin. To make the most of your trip ensure that you see this list of famous historical places in France.

1. Notre Dame Cathedral- It took over 100 years to build this building that considered is one of the greatest examples of Gothic Art in the world. It offers magnificent views of Paris from the North Tower, stunning stained glass windows, beautiful antique chandeliers, statues, and gargoyles that surpass anything you have ever seen. This well maintained building is a must see when in Paris.

2. Eiffel Tower- One of the most well known structures in the world, it would be a crime not to stop by this sight. Whether you visit during the day to see the stunning views below from the top or visit at night to see this mesmorizing sight all lit up, it is an essential stop as you make your way through Paris.

3. Louvre Museum- Named one of the 28 places you must visit before you die by the Smithsonian Magazine this is home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and countless other pieces of priceless art. Built in 1793 to serve as the Royal Palace it boosts over fifteen acres of art. Make sure to factor in at least one day to stroll through this spectacular fortress.

4. Arc de Triomphe- Erected in 1806 at the request of Napoleon to serve as a tribute to the French army, it is the resting place of the Unknown Solider from World War I. Engraved on the top of the arch and inside are all the names of generals and wars fought. It offers what many believe to be the best view of Paris from the top and is considered to be right in the center of all the must sees in Paris.

5. Pere Lachaise Cemetery- While some may find it creepy to visit a cemetery this is a location that you should not miss. The lavishly designed crypts pay homage to countless famous figures including Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison of The Doors.

6. The Sorbonne University and the Latin Quarter- Founded in 1257 as a school to study theology it has had countless thinkers pass through its doors. Keep in mind that it is still a college and tours must be arranged beforehand. It is worth planning a visit to in order to fully understand all the history that it has housed in beautiful buildings.

7. Versailles Palace- A majestic palace that boosts electrifying water fountains and a 250 acres of manicured gardens. First mentioned in literature from 1038, it began as a country village and grew to house the courts and the royal family. Grand paintings, tapestries, furniture, and chandeliers remain. The gardens have been coined "the closest thing to heaven on Earth" due to their astounding beauty.

This is just a short list of some of the more historical places that you must visit while in Paris, but be aware there is so much more to see.

MyReviewsNow.net offers information regarding your Paris vacation. For more on flights to France, please visit us at MyReviewsNow.net.

Article Source: Cookie_Maxwell

Palais De La Decouverte Science Museum at the Grand Palais in Paris

The Palais de la Decouverte is a science museum found within the Grand Palais in the heart of Paris which has a very different, yet unique, way of showing and allowing people to discover science to help everyone understand it.

The history of the Palais de la Decouverte is a somewhat unlikely beginning, with the French physicist, Jean Perrin, who won a Nobel prize for his work on the atom, thought up the idea of a unique museum. And although his envisions of the museum was only meant to be a temporary exhibition for the World Fair in 1937, the amazing success of his experiments being performed in front of the public as well as letting visitors take part, it was decided to be changed into a permanent science museum, so many more could enjoy the science and learn.

Nowadays the museum in Paris stays with the same ideas and approach that Perrin wanted to achieve with his idea, to allow many people to access and gain an understanding of any type of science, even those without much prior knowledge of science to the general public.

The Palais de la Decouverte gives many different opportunities and different ways to understand the Earth and the things around us by experimenting, observing and evening interpreting real phenomena.

The museum also takes excellent use of the facilities and things it has to hand by managing to create a solid foundation and link between young scientists, post-graduate assistants and even to help researches teachers and more to help develop their communication skills, scientific findings and improve their knowledge, and help the link between them and the general public.

If you wish to visit the museum when on holiday in Paris you will find both a welcoming atmosphere as well as a unique one, where you can find many amazing experiments and demonstrations taking place to help you feel part of science from the minute you enter the museum.

Also for those who are not as knowledgeable in the science area this museum in Paris works with the visitors by connecting research scientists and scientific explainers so they can explain as they go along what is happening in many different scenarios to help maintain an understanding of what is going on and to help visitors learn.

There are also many different areas and sections to explore around at your own leisure to see and understand, ranging form but not just including space and meteorology, electrostatics, nuclear energy, man and his food, thermodynamics, electronics, radio astronomy, computer science and much more, not forgetting the temporary exhibitions which also take place during the year for even more variety.

And yet there's more; within the Grand Palais and the Palais de la Decouverte, the Planetarium which consists of a 15 meter diameter dome from the company Zeiss than reproduces the star-filled night with exceptional quality, allowing you to see and experience galactic and even extra galactic objects, celestial phenomena, view other planets and much more which is just one of the great tourist attractions in Paris.

The Planetarium has set shows throughout the day which last about 45 minutes, with a speaker to provide an introduction to astronomy and explain different aspects of the universe, which always start with the view of the sky as can be seen that very same night, which if you are lucky and it is a clear night you might just be able to!

In addition to the fantastic works and exhibitions when you look back at the history of the Grand Palais there was the idea for a café, and recently that has been realised, so you can have a break and have a snack such as a salad, sandwich, baguette as well as something for those with a sweeter tooth like cheese cake, muffins and cookies. But not forgetting they also serve both hot and cold beverages such as coffee, juices and more.

Also in addition to all of that, since 2010 the Palais de la Decouverte has been a part of the Universcience group, meaning it is now linked with the Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie which is the largest science museum in Europe, and one of the most well known museums in Paris which is within the Parc de la Villette.

The science museum is part of the Grand Palais that is found on the Avenue des Champs Elysees in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris, opening from all days except for a Monday, from 9:30am to 6pm and on a Sunday which the times change to 10am to 7pm. This does not include French National holidays, eg 1st May and 14th July, where the museum is also closed. And this cafe in Paris as we mentioned before opens at the same times as the museum.

Due to the situation of the museum it is very easy to access the museum from the RER station at the Invalides stop on line C, nearby bus stops which include numbers 28, 42, 63, 72, 80, and 93 not forgetting the bus tours in Paris which also stop nearby or at the museum.

Published by Kate Davis - European traveller and author of travel to guides to Paris holidays along with research for French monuments, tourist attractions, museums and much more by helping people to get the most out of a holiday in Paris. - Holiday in Paris

Article Source: Kate_J_Davis