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Centre Pompidou Opens Seoul Branch in 63 Tower Renovation by Wilmotte & Associés

architecture-design · 2026-04-21

On June 4, 2026, the Centre Pompidou will unveil a Korean satellite in Seoul, collaborating with the Hanwha Foundation of Culture. Situated in the 63 Tower on Yeouido Island, this 12,000 m² facility, designed by Wilmotte & Associés, boasts adaptable exhibition areas over five floors. It will convert conference spaces into a vibrant cultural center, featuring a 1,400 m² area for temporary exhibitions and 1,650 m² dedicated to Korean art. A central void fosters visual interaction, while the double-skin façade provides a bright atmosphere. Amenities will include a lobby, sculpture garden, auditorium, cafeteria, and restaurant. This initiative aligns with the Centre Pompidou's goal to expand its presence beyond Paris, which is currently undergoing renovations.

Key facts

  • Centre Pompidou opens Seoul branch on June 4, 2026
  • 12,000 m² renovation at base of 63 Tower skyscraper
  • Designed by Wilmotte & Associés using 'architecture of subtraction'
  • Located on Yeouido Island along Han River in Seoul's financial district
  • Partnership with Hanwha Foundation of Culture
  • Includes 1,400 m² for temporary exhibitions from Centre Pompidou collections
  • Features 1,650 m² dedicated to Korean artistic production
  • Double-skin façade of curved laminated-glass modules creates luminous volume

Entities

Artists

  • Renzo Piano
  • Richard Rogers
  • Peter Zumthor

Institutions

  • Centre Pompidou
  • Hanwha Foundation of Culture
  • Wilmotte & Associés
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
  • BIG
  • William Rawn Associates (WRA)
  • HASTINGS Architecture
  • Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)
  • Kéré Architecture
  • Goethe-Institut

Locations

  • Seoul
  • South Korea
  • Yeouido Island
  • Han River
  • Paris
  • France
  • Spain
  • Belgium
  • China
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Los Angeles
  • United States
  • Tennessee
  • Senegal
  • Africa

Sources