The Centre Georges Pompidou - a newbie's guide

The Centre Georges Pompidou is one of the top three museums in Paris, housing modern and contemporary art. In terms of art periods, roughly speaking, Pompidou takes over from where d'Orsay finishes.

There is a permanent collection spread over 2 large levels, and there are high standard temporary exhibitions on the 6th and/or 1st level.

Highlights:

••  Atelier Brancusi - A reconstruction of Constantin Brancusi's actual studio, complete with his workshop and tools, and display room of his sculptures. It's the highlight of the highlights. It's housed in a separate building, which can be found at the north end of the piazza area outside the Pompidou. Entry is free, but it is only open in the afternoons.

Fountaine Stravinsky

••  The building - The architecture of the building is worth seeing in itself, appearing like it has been built inside out. The colours you see are supposed to relate to the services...eg yellow for electrical, green for plumbing, blue for HVAC etc.

••  The viewing area on level 6 - It has great views over Paris, and is accessed via a series of escalators.

••  Fountaine Stravinsky - A fountain featuring around 15 sculptures inspired by Stravinsky's works. Located to the south of the Pompidou.

••  A large mobile sculpture by Alexander Calder - Located in the piazza area in front of the Pompidou.

••  Oh...and I almost forgot...there's also the permanent and temporary collections inside the Pompidou!

Tips and notes:

••  As always - purchase your tickets online in advance, to avoid most of the queues.

••  Queues are shortest in the early morning, and often shorter in the evening / late afternoon.

••  Entry price includes entry to both the permanent and temporary collections.

••  Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Expect queues to be bigger.

Depending on your interest level, allow around a 1/2 day to explore the collections. Open everyday except Tue, and open late on Thu.