Centre Pompidou : It opened in 1977, and remains one of the most revolutionary contemporary buildings in Paris. Architects Richard Roger and Renzo Piano put the lifts, escalators and heating and air-conditioning pipes on the outside, colour coding them by their different functions and leaving the inside freee for multifarious arts activities.

The policy of free entry, implemented by the Culture Department, means that the ground floor often resembles Speaker's corner, an extension of the street acts from the piazza outside. But do not let that put you off visiting the superb art collection, temporary exhibitions and the many other events. Address : Plateau Beaubourg, 4th; phone : 44 78 12 33 - Open Mon, Wed-Fri noon-10pm; Sat, Sun 10am-10pm.