Breaking News: Minister Rachida Dati Visits Future Center Pompidou in Massy
In a significant development for the cultural landscape of France, Minister of Culture Rachida Dati visited the construction site of the future Center Pompidou Ile-de-France Factory of Art in Massy on Wednesday afternoon. Accompanied by Valérie Pécresse, the president of the region, and numerous local elected officials, the visit underscored the importance of the project, which is slated to open in the fall of 2026.
An Ambitious Cultural Hub
The Center Pompidou Ile-de-France Factory of Art, a 30,000 m² site located in the heart of the Massy Opera district, aims to bring together the reserves of the National Museum of Modern Art and the Picasso Museum in Paris. The facility will include workshops for preservation and state-of-the-art restoration, as well as collaboration with researchers from Paris-Saclay University.
Architectural plans are being led by Vinci and architect Philippe Chiambaretta. The site will also feature public spaces for exhibitions, presentations of new works, and a cafeteria and terrace accessible without a ticket.
Minister Rachida Dati’s Impressions
“I am impressed by the scale of the site and the ambition,” says Minister Rachida Dati. “Here we don’t pretend, we don’t do something at a discount. Access to culture cannot work if communities are not there. We could have the most beautiful Pompidou in the world in Massy, if no one comes, it will be missed.”
Combating Inequalities Through Culture and Transport
The Minister emphasized the importance of opening up territories via culture to combat inequalities and folds on oneself, but also via transport. By October 2026, a station of Metro line 18 of the Grand Paris Express will open 200 meters from the Center Pompidou de Massy, with a connection between Massy-Palaiseau station and the Christ de Saclay, and by autumn 2027 to Orly airport. “Any of any Ile-de-France will therefore be able to come thanks to the connection with line 14 from Orly,” says Valérie Pécresse.
Public Access and Future Developments
Discovering the site in progress is not only for policymakers. The city of Massy has been organizing open visits to the public for several weeks. The next visit is scheduled for Friday, July 11, reserved for the inhabitants of Massy. Registration is required by email, indicating the desired schedule to: [email protected].
This ambitious project is a testament to France’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage while making it accessible to the public. With the support of local communities and the state, the Center Pompidou Ile-de-France Factory of Art is poised to become a beacon of cultural excellence in the region.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates on this groundbreaking initiative and other breaking news in the world of arts and culture.
