Because Beaubourg, the collaborative event organized by the Centre Pompidou and Because Music, was a resounding public success. The multidisciplinary festival was designed to mark both the temporary closure of the Centre Pompidou for its major renovation and the 20th anniversary of the label.
From Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, Because Music and the Centre Pompidou brought their artistic expertise and daring vision to every corner of the institution, hosting the largest celebration ever held within its walls. All eight levels of the buil- ding featured an exceptional joint program, crafted specifically for the occasion.
With the remarkable presence of Because Music artists and the Centre Pompidou’s multidisciplinary programming, the event fea- tured 82 artists and special guests, 37 concerts and perfor- mances, 27 hours of screenings, 16 conferences, five immersive experiences, 11 installations, and nine children’s activities—offe- ring audiences a truly unprecedented artistic experience across generations.
Highlights included immersive experiences by Justice, Shay, and Shygirl; Thomas Bangalter’s CAMERA / MAN installation; a roller disco on the sixth floor curated by La Main Jaune; the children’s village; and participatory performances such as Les Sisyphes.
There were also a few surprises scattered through the weekend: attendees were thrilled by Aya Nakamura’s surprise appearance during Rnboi’s afternoon set and electrified by the return of Thomas Bangalter, who returned to the decks publicly for the first time in over 15 years. Bangalter, half of the legendary duo Daft Punk, joined Pedro Winter, Fred Again and Erol Alkan in an unforgettable set, which began with a moving sonic tribute to the history and legacy to Centre Pompidou.
“At the start of the Centre Pompidou’s transformation, we could not have imagined a better rite of passage than those magical minutes when Thomas Bangalter, in front of the audience gathe- red in the Forum, echoed the words spoken at the Centre’s inauguration by Prime Minister Jacques Chirac: since its origins, the Centre Pompidou has been a living, creative space of research and artistic dialogue. It will remain so over the next five years, thanks to the talent of its teams, who will circulate its collection and spirit across France and around the world. Invented and organized jointly by Because Music, Ed Banger, and the Centre Pompidou, Because Beaubourg propels us energetically into the future.”
Laurent Le Bon, President, Centre Pompidou
Supported by an exceptional public-private collaboration and numerous partners, the event was fully self-funded and free during daytime hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the programming in an open, inclusive spirit true to the Centre Pompidou’s ethos.
“This event is not only a celebration of Beaubourg and Because Music; it is a unique moment that demonstrates the ability of an independent label to conceive, produce, and showcase its artists on a global scale. Because Beaubourg was made possible through the incredible collaboration between the Centre Pompidou teams and the French and international teams of Because Music. It is a shining example of public-private cooperation that serves as a model for the future.” Emmanuel de Buretel, President, Because Music
Because Beaubourg will be remembered as a spectacular celebration of 20 years of creativity, a moment of collective joy, and a symbol of the Centre Pompidou and Because Music’s shared ability to engage audiences with art in all its forms.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the artists who made Because Beaubourg an unforgettable celebration. Their creativity, generosity, and energy brought this historic event to life: 2manydjs, Alewya, Asa Moto, Bapt’Chill, Breakbot & Irfane, Ca- therine Ringer, Charlotte Adigéry, Christine and the Queens, Erol Alkan, Fred Again, Jérémy Chatelain, Julie Nioche, Justice, Keziah Jones, Klyne, Laima & Iggor, LB aka LABAT, Mariam, Marine Neuilly, Maureen, Mayou Picchu, Midas the Jagaban, Myd, Naomi, Pascal Comelade, Pedro Winter, Phillipi, RnBoi, Romain Brau, Sébastien Tellier,Selah Sue, Shay, Shygirl, SMITH, Sofia Kourtesis, spill tab, Tatyana Jane, TH, Thee Diane, The Limiñanas, Thomas Bangalter and all performers, speakers, filmmakers, and collectives who contributed passionately to two days and nights of festivities.
We warmly thank the 40,000 visitors who came to celebrate the spirit of the Centre Pompidou and Because Music’s 20th anni- versary. Their enthusiasm and curiosity made Because Beaubourg a unique and memorable celebration. Our thanks also go to the teams at the Centre Pompidou and Because Music for their outstanding work.
