Architecture and Construction

A building which reflects France's desire for openness in the decision to make Metz a major centre of European cultural encounters. A building open to the general public. A building in symbiosis with nature, following the rhythms of changing climate and events alike. A museum offering certain spaces which are carefully controlled and others which are highly flexible.

With its emblematic and highly innovative roof, inspired by a Chinese hat, its three long exhibition galleries, open onto symbolic views of the city, its luminous and welcoming forum, its breathtakingly large main nave, enabling the exhibition of exceptionally large works, its creative studio, its auditorium and its restaurant, the Centre Pompidou-Metz totals 10.000 m² dedicated to the presentation of modern and contemporary art. "This is a place that symbolises openness, in an immediate sensory relationship with the environment." Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, architects

The double-curved superstructure of galvanised steel and wood forms hexagonal modules supported by a central spire, the extremities of the gallery-tunnels and six tapered piers. It is covered with a translucent membrane of prestressed Poly-Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene (Teflon-covered fibreglass). The facades are composed of panels of glass blades and wide glass sliding doors. The three exhibition gallery areas are made of steel covered with lacquered metal panels.

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