A Surreal Journey at the Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou, located in the heart of Paris, invites art lovers and curious visitors alike to immerse themselves in an ambitious retrospective on surrealism before its five-year closure for renovations starting in 2025. This groundbreaking exhibition, open until January 13, 2025, celebrates the centenary of the surrealist movement while reimagining it through a contemporary lens of inclusivity.
The Exhibition
The display showcases over 350 works, ranging from iconic masterpieces by Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and René Magritte to lesser-known treasures by female artists like Eileen Agar, Remedios Varo, and Suzanne Van Damme. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the original manuscript of André Breton’s Manifesto of Surrealism (1924), generously loaned by the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
The exhibition design reinvents the traditional museum experience. Visitors enter through the "Porte de l'Enfer" (Gate of Hell), a playful homage to surrealist humor and their historic meeting place on Boulevard de Clichy. Inside, the layout unfolds in a star-shaped arrangement of seven thematic sections, echoing André Breton’s gallery L'Étoile Scellée. This immersive labyrinth invites exploration of surrealism’s diverse themes—dreams, the cosmos, and mental health—while disrupting conventional pathways.
Highlights
Among the many standout pieces is René Magritte’s Personal Values, on rare loan from San Francisco. Each artwork, whether familiar or obscure, is curated to balance accessibility for newcomers and depth for seasoned enthusiasts.
Practical Information
- Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
- Access:
- Metro: Rambuteau (line 11), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), Châtelet (lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14)
- RER: Châtelet-Les Halles (lines A, B, and D)
- Opening Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM (late night opening)
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Tickets: €17 (reduced rate: €14), available online. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Whether you’re a fan of surrealism or a first-time visitor, this exhibition offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the movement in a fresh and exciting way. Don’t miss this chance to step into the surreal before the Centre Pompidou closes its doors for its grand transformation.
