Plans for a Centre Pompidou x Jersey City Are Back on Track
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Originally detested (at least visually) by the Parisians, the Centre Pompidou has become the premier destination for contemporary art in the French capital over the past 40 years. The institution is undergoing major expansion, both at home and abroad, as Pompidou looks to open a location in Seoul in 2025, as well as renovations to its flagship museum over the next five years.
North America has also emerged as another likely destination for the museum, with Jersey City being thrown in the mix as a potential outpost. Located just a stone’s throw from New York City, the satellite museum initially was cut short by New Jersey politicians but has seen new life over the past few weeks as a new plan has been set in place that would see the prospective arts hub open at 808 Pavonia Avenue in a 100,000 square feet building.
“The future is bright, and I think any reasonable person can see the meaningful benefits to Jersey City here,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The Centre Pompidou x Jersey City project was originally announced in 2021, but faced a number of hurdles including COVID, as well as political tussles between Fulop and his fallout with New Jersey governor Phil Murphy. The prospective institution is reported to cost $176m USD in construction costs, which will be led by acclaimed architectural firm OMA and is currently slated to open in 2027.
