The Pompidou Centre is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris – love it or hate it, you certainly can’t miss it! However it’s easy to miss the much more discreet building just next to it. Designed by Renzo Piano, the Atelier Brancusi is almost invisible, yet this fascinating space is another of those tiny hidden museums that is well worth a visit.
Constantin Brancusi came to Paris from Romania in 1904, and from 1915 worked in a studio in the 15th arrondissement. Considered one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, he was one of the pioneers of the modernist movement, arriving in Paris at a moment when the art world here was effervescent with new ideas. His friends included the leading figures of the artistic and intellectual scene in Paris at the time: Picasso, Modigliani, Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, Guillaume Apollinaire and Ezra Pound.
In these studios he produced most of his work, often arranging them into groups. The studio and the arrangement of the sculptures in relation to the space and to the other works surrounding them became integral to each sculpture. So much so that he often refused to sell them, if he did he would replace them with plaster casts.
In 1956 Brancusi's studio in Paris and its entire contents were bequeathed to the French state, on condition that it would be reconstructed exactly as it was on the day of his death. Renzo Piano designed the current space, where we can see not only his sculptures, but tools, sketches, furniture and his library. Here we can view his work as he wished it to be viewed, and comprehend it as he wished it to be understood.
Another of his most famous works, Le Baiser (The Kiss), can be seen in Montparnasse Cemetery, which is also where he is buried.
📍Atelier Brancusi, Piazza in front of the Centre Pompidou (rue Rambuteau side)
- Open daily 2-6pm, except Tuesdays and May 1. Free entrance.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog! We are a small Paris-based tour guide company that prioritises a boutique personal experience where we can share our passion for our heritage and community with every individual that joins us. If you'd like to take a tour then head over to our website for an unforgettable trip to the city of lights. Also, check out our social media @memories.france for everything you could need to know for coming to Paris, from how to use the metro to coffee shops closest to each major monument, there is something for everyone!
Siobhan & the Memories France Family
If you're looking for more tips, itineraries, and insights into Paris, check out our social media!
Like what you see? Read our other blogs here!
- Did Marie Antoinette Really Say "Let Them Eat Cake"? The Truth Behind the MythDid Marie-Antoinette really utter the infamous words ‘Let them eat cake’? In this post, we separate fact from fiction and explore how a myth grew to define the Queen’s reputation. Discover the real story behind the legend, and why history remembers her so differently than the caricature suggests.
- Dark Paris: 10 Spine-Chilling Places to Visit with Real History Behind ThemHalloween in Paris isn’t just costumes and candy — it’s centuries of ghostly tales and dark history hidden behind elegant façades. From the silent tunnels of the Catacombs to royal tombs and old execution sites, discover 10 chilling places that reveal the City of Light’s shadowy past. This Halloween, dare to explore Paris like never before…
- Louvre Heist 2025: Stolen Crown Jewels and the Stories Behind ThemDiscover the Louvre heist of October 2025 and the priceless crown jewels taken. Explore the fascinating stories of Napoleon, Marie Amélie, and other French royals behind each piece, and learn why the Apollo Gallery is more than just a showcase of gems.
- Paris Fashion History: When Impressionist Art Put Fashion in the FrameParis may be the fashion capital of the world, but did you know that Impressionist painters were just as obsessed with style as today’s designers? From the bustle of Haussmann’s new boulevards to the elegance of suburban strolls, artists like Monet, Renoir, and Manet immortalized the clothing trends of their time. In this post, we explore how Impressionist art put fashion at the very heart of modern Parisian life.
- Heritage Days in Paris 2025: Our Top 5 Recommendations for the Journées du PatrimoineEvery September, Paris celebrates the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, opening the doors of monuments, palaces, and hidden gems usually closed to the public. In 2025, the event falls on 20–21 September, and it’s the perfect chance to explore Paris like a local. From aristocratic mansions in the Marais to artists’ studios in Montmartre, we’ve rounded up our top recommendations — along with tips on how to dive deeper with our guided tours.
