Pompidou Center in France Welcomes Its Biggest Event Yet Prior to Five-Year Shutdown

The Pompidou Center, a celebrated French cultural institution and the largest modern art museum in Europe, is scheduled to close temporarily for renovations beginning in the fall of 2025. The building is set to experience a five-year renovation period. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Pompidou hosted a spectacular multidisciplinary event named Because Beaubourg. Marketed as “the largest event ever conducted at the Centre Pompidou,” the festival was developed in partnership with Because Music, an independent music label from France recognized for promoting artists such as Justice and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

One of the standout moments of the event was the DJ performance by Thomas Bangalter, known for his work with Daft Punk, marking his first proper DJ appearance in 16 years. The performance featured numerous Daft Punk hits, responding to a long-held wish among fans since the release of the band’s last album, Random Access Memories, in 2013. Mysteriously connected to the venue, Bangalter shared through Fred Again.., who played with him, that he first discovered his passion for electronic music at the Pompidou in 1992 and had not performed a set without his iconic mask in 24 years.

The night also showcased a performance by Pedro Winter (Busy P) alongside Erol Alkan. Although the livestream video was later removed, the set remains available for listening. Because Beaubourg presented additional attractions like a Roller Disco and various musical showcases, laying the groundwork for the Pompidou’s ongoing off-site initiative called Constellation. This program is designed to keep promoting art and culture at partner venues across France and around the globe. Furthermore, in 2026, the Pompidou aims to launch a new facility named Centre Pompidou Francilien in Massy.

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