19 rue Beaubourg, 4e. The ‘inside-out’ cultural centre designed by an Italian-British team made up of Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfrance Franchini, opened in 1977 to howls of derision from the architectural establishment. It certainly made no attempt to blend in with the surroundings, but the monster glass and steel box cocooned in coloured pipes, air ducts and a transparent escalator is now regarded with indulgent affection. In 1997 the interior was dramatically transformed by a new atrium, space was optimised for increased cultural activities, and access made easier for visitors.

Levels 4 and 5 are devoted to the brilliant Musee d’Art Moderne. Opening with the Fauvists, it cuts a dash through 20thC art via Picasso, Braque, Matisse, Duchamp, Kandinsky, Dali, Warhol and Bacon, amongst others. Also, check out the Exhibition Space (Level 6), divided into three galleries devoted to temporary exhibitions, the Performance Space (Level 1), devoted to music, audio-visual and the spoken word, the restaurant and terraces, with wonderful panoramic views, and the shop.