Architectural Secrets ► The “Caterpillar” of the Centre Pompidou

Architectural Secrets: The “Caterpillar” of the Centre Pompidou

(Episode 3/15) Stretching like a giant transparent tube along the façade, the escalator affectionately known as la Chenille (“the Caterpillar”) connects all five levels of the Centre Pompidou. It has become the building’s unmistakable trademark—a poetic ride leading to one of the best views in Paris.

Before its opening, when Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano first conceived the design, this iconic feature looked very different.

A Parisian Icon

Until September 2025, when the Centre Pompidou closed for an extended pause, visitors could ride the famous Chenille without a ticket. Just step on and enjoy the slow-moving escalators carrying you upward to one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the city.

“Taking the Chenille felt a bit like a rollercoaster ride: up, up, and up some more… No loops or drops, of course, but the payoff was just as thrilling.”

About forty meters above ground, the view stretches across Paris—from the Panthéon and Sacré-Cœur to Notre-Dame, reaching as far as the skyscrapers of La Défense.

A Symbol of Modernity

Once a bold symbol of progress, this moving walkway now stands as a gently aging icon of modernity. Its hypnotic slowness adds to its charm and enhances the overall experience.

“Some visitors got so caught up in the view, they’d forget to even visit the exhibitions.”

Indeed, the Chenille was one of Paris’s worst-kept secrets, beloved for both its design and the spectacular panorama it offers.

Summary: The Chenille escalator at Centre Pompidou remains a timeless symbol of modern architecture, enchanting visitors with its unique design and stunning panoramic views of Paris.

Centre Pompidou — 2025-11-04