Credits: Gerda Arendt / Wikimedia Commons — CC0.
In Paris, the Centre Pompidou says farewell to the public before five years of works: on October 22, 2025, the artist Cai Guo-Qiang at the Centre Pompidou set off in broad daylight “The Last Carnival,” with a daytime fireworks display, while on October 24–25 the Because Beaubourg weekend offers two days and two nights of music and installations. Closure of the Centre Pompidou: asbestos removal and renovation, while redeploying programming off-site.
Fireworks at the Centre Pompidou: A Daytime Farewell
On the west façade of the Centre Pompidou, the artist Cai Guo-Qiang presented, on October 22, 2025, a spectacular fireworks display: The Last Carnival, a daytime pyrotechnic fresco designed to “ignite” the chenille without overwhelming the public space. The performance lasted about 20 min, including nearly 7 min of fireworks, with colored smoke and intermittent bursts of light. A moderate sound level was maintained, while the setup was overseen by fire safety teams. Medical assistance was present on the Piazza, in line with the requirements communicated by the institution.
This closing gesture, conceived with the algorithmic tool cAI™, continues the artist’s practice exploring gunpowder, light, and the urban landscape for decades. Fireworks in Paris in October 2025, fired at 5:30 p.m. at Place Georges-Pompidou (Paris 4th). The action stages a goodbye “in broad daylight.” This aesthetic choice favors the color and drama of the pigment clouds.
Program reference: The Last Carnival — Cai Guo-Qiang & cAI™, Centre Pompidou.
Because Beaubourg: Two Days And Two Nights At The Centre Pompidou
The last major event inside the historic building before closure, Because Beaubourg unfolds on October 24 and 25, 2025, 2 days & 2 nights of showcases, DJ sets, installations and immersive experiences across 8 levels. The artistic line was co-created with the label Because Music, which celebrates 20 years of production.
The format is clear: free daytime access from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. subject to capacity limits. In addition, paid nights cost €40 by reservation. Finally, the night ticketing sold out is announced in advance. The event is presented as “the largest event ever organized at the Centre Pompidou.” Between a roller disco on the top floor, screenings at the cinema, children’s workshops, masterclasses and meetings, the public moves freely from one platform to another, with bars and pop-up store included.
Program reference: Because Beaubourg (Oct. 24–25), Centre Pompidou.
Why Close For So Long? Renovation Of The Centre Pompidou
The institution is undertaking a program of complete asbestos removal and a renovation of the Centre Pompidou aimed at fire safety upgrades, energy optimization and improved accessibility of routes. The full closure runs from 2025 to 2030. Preparatory operations marked 2025, with major works starting early 2026. The stated goal is the reopening of the Centre Pompidou in 2030 with a more restrained and legible building. Moreover, it will remain true to the original utopia of a center bringing together museum, creation, reading and civic life.
This period requires a major relocation (collections, studios, services), repackaging of works and a reorganization of teams. For the public, it is accompanied by a ramp-up of partnerships and an off-site schedule.
References: project Centre Pompidou 2030 and page “Le Centre se métamorphose”.
Constellation: The Spirit Of Beaubourg Off-Site
During the closure, programming redeploys through Constellation, a network of traveling exhibitions and works. In addition, there are residencies and educational activities. In Île-de-France, several axes structure the season, notably collaborations with the Grand Palais and the Philharmonie de Paris. There are also hosting and co-productions with Parisian and regional venues. Additionally, the Centre Pompidou Francilien – Fabrique de l’art in Massy (Essonne) is scaling up.
This Île-de-France hub is to house the reserves of the Musée national d’art moderne and those of the Musée national Picasso-Paris, while offering dedicated programming, research spaces and conservation-restoration workshops. The first preparatory actions were announced in autumn 2025 in Massy, before a gradual opening to the public from 2026.
References: Program “Constellation” and Maison du projet (Massy).
An Artistic And Technological Signature
With The Last Carnival, Cai Guo-Qiang condenses his favored themes: the memory of a place, the forces of matter and collective narration. The collaboration with cAI™ (a tool tailored to his practice) adds a digital counterpoint to this gunpowder theater. The Centre emphasizes that the pyrotechnic materials are manufactured in Europe and comply with current standards. Thus, it asserts a responsible approach to visual and sound effects within the city.
The choice of a daytime conflagration is deliberate: the color of the smokes, the rhythm of the “bursts,” and the perception of Beaubourg’s metallic frame are experienced differently than at nightfall. Implicitly, the work pays tribute to the institution’s collection and history, from modernism to contemporary scenes.
What This Changes For Paris And The Neighborhood
Five years without access to the main building will weigh on visitor flows and the economy of the Beaubourg neighborhood. Nearby cultural players are reorganizing, between occasional cooperations and programming adaptations. Institutionally, the continuity of the offer will rely on the mobility of works and off-site mediation. In addition, it will lean on strengthened digital formats. For audiences, this promises a different cultural geography: Grand Palais, Philharmonie, partner venues in the regions, and, eventually, Massy.
How The Weekend Works
- Hours: free daytime 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last entries subject to capacity) ; nights 7 p.m. – 5 a.m. (Friday) and 8 p.m. – 5 a.m. (Saturday), paid (€40) and sold out at ticketing.
- Access: Place Georges-Pompidou, Paris 4th. Public transport strongly recommended. Expect a security check at the entrance.
- Circulation: free across 8 levels; rollers at the top, music stages, installations, cinema, workshops, bar & catering on every floor, free cloakroom, pop-up store.
- Audiences: all-ages programming with a children’s village, guided tours and times dedicated to meetings.
- Safety & health: during the fireworks, colored smoke, intermittent bursts and a moderate sound level announced; rescue teams on site.
Landmarks
- Building: opened in 1977, high-tech architecture by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, now one of the markers of the Parisian landscape.
- Functions: Musée national d’art moderne, Bpi, live performance, cinema, art education.
- Work timeline: closure 2025–2030, major works starting early 2026.
- Objective: safety, accessibility, energy sobriety, reconfiguration of certain public spaces.
Practical Info
When?
- Fireworks The Last Carnival: October 22, 2025, from 5:30 p.m..
- Because Beaubourg: Oct. 24–25, 2025, 11 a.m. – 5 a.m. (day free; nights paid and sold out).
Where?
- Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris; west façade of the Centre Pompidou (the “chenille” side).
Access & tips
- Favor public transport and arrive early due to capacity limits.
- Follow on-site safety instructions.
- For people with reduced mobility: dedicated routes and elevators in the building during opening hours.