Governor Phil Murphy (D) and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that Centre Pompidou will open a satellite museum in Journal Square, known as Centre Pompidou x Jersey City, utilizing the Pathside Building at 25 Journal Square.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
The endeavor will be the Centre Pompidou’s only North American partnership. Besides its primary location in Paris, the Centre Pompidou has other satellite operations in Brussels, Belgium, Metz, France, and Shanghai, China.
“It’s an important day for Jersey City. This partnership will create a world-class museum in Jersey City. Our mission was to work with the community and elevate our city,” Fulop said on an early morning Zoom call, noting the pandemic made this process even more challenging.
He also credited New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy for facilitating the deal.
“In Jersey City, I know unequivocally, arts and culture will be the backbone of what makes Jersey City desirable,” Fulop said, continuing that the new museum builds upon the city’s existing arts community and recently established a fund for the arts.
“I am incredibly proud that Jersey City will be the beneficiary of Centre Pompidou‘s North American partnership,” Murphy stated, calling it a “historic first” that is a clear indicator of Jersey City’s revival.
“France’s rich culture has always captured the minds of Americans … The addition of the Centre Pompidou is proof that our state’s strength comes from its diversity,” Murphy added, further stating that Jersey City is the most diverse city in the state.
“We are so excited for all this partnership will bring to Jersey City and our entire state,” Tammy Murphy said, asserting that it will expose local students to new perspectives, ideas, and culture.
Centre Pompidou President Serge Lasvignes explained the museum houses a variety of modern multi-disciplinary art, calling Jersey City “young and dynamic” when discussing their partnership.
Scheduled to open in 2024, the Centre Pompidou and Jersey City museum will become a leading international cultural hub.
In 2018, the Fulop Administration acquired the Pathside Building, a 58,000 square-foot building for $10 million.
With the addition of exclusive exhibitions created with modern art from the Centre Pompidou’s collection and diverse events at the crossroads of all disciplines, the Centre Pompidou × Jersey City’s will offer a fusion of art and ideas.
“With the announcement today, Jersey City will be a destination,” Fulop said.
He noted the nearby Loews theater is currently being renovated and the Monica Art Gallery nearby will draw tourists as well.
OMA consultant Jason Long noted the utility company PSE&G administered a trolley system from the building early in the 20th century. He said it’s suited to be a museum since it has no columns obstructing views. The renovation has already begun.
Community meetings were held with the public, who said they wanted a museum and space for local artists.
An official from the Centre Pompidou said they are working on seeing how much art will be from France versus local art at the museum, while Fulop indicating that the costs to renovate the building are projected to be between $10 million to $30 million.
The city will also pay the museum an annual fee that is yet to be determined for branding and organizing exhibits.
