Pompidou Center: Outside

Like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Pyramid, the Pompidou Center was reviled by most Parisiens when it was completed in 1977 but has since been embraced by locals and tourists alike. Its skeleton rises outside the building, allowing maximum space within the structure and the colors have practical meaning. White means support, red signifies electricity, blue is for climate control and green is plumbing.

Just slightly south of the main building, we discovered the kinetic fountains at Stravinsky Place.  Fountains spurted out of spinning wheels and rotating pipes, while colorful mosaic creatures stood guard.  The broad plaza to the west of the building proved a popular hangout. Teens and tourists strolled and watched international entertainers such as a lady blowing a brown sapling that made digiridoo sounds, a Chinese man singing American songs while strumming an acoustic guitar and an elderly European couple playing stringed instruments.

Cafes and souvenir shops ringed both areas. We found our favorite Amorino Gelato in front of the plaza. We enjoyed our gelato on an outdoor table after our tour of the museum.