Metz: A French City Break Filled with Art and Architectural Marvels
The Centre Pompidou-Metz, an architectural masterpiece designed by Shigeru Ban, draws inspiration from a traditional Chinese bamboo-woven hat. This iconic structure, with its hexagonal lattice of laminated wood and draped white fibreglass roof, has transformed Metz into a cultural destination in north-east France's Lorraine region.
Artistic Wonders at the Centre Pompidou-Metz
Inside the Centre Pompidou-Metz, visitors encounter thought-provoking exhibitions like Dimanche Sans Fin (Endless Sunday), curated by Maurizio Cattelan. This exhibition features over 400 works on loan from Paris's Centre Pompidou, which is undergoing a five-year renovation. Highlights include Cattelan's six-metre skeleton of a domestic cat named Felix and his piece Shadow, depicting his mother hiding in a fridge.
Co-curator Zoé Stillpass explains the exhibition's playful exploration of rest and value, with pieces ranging from Picasso's Little Girl Jumping Rope to Max Ernst's King Playing with the Queen. The banana exhibit, questioning the concept of a masterpiece, has its own dedicated room, adding to the sense of wonder.
Historic and Modern Architecture in Metz
Metz boasts a rich architectural heritage beyond the Pompidou. The city's Germanic Imperial Quarter, built during Kaiser Wilhelm II's occupation, features a train station resembling a church with stained-glass windows and mosaics. The historic Place Saint-Louis retains 14th-century stone arcades now housing cafes, while the Renaissance-era Maison des Têtes showcases detailed busts.
The Cathédral Saint-Étienne, dating from the 13th century, impresses with its yellow Jaumont limestone and vast stained-glass windows, including modern works by Marc Chagall. Vivienne Rudd from the tourist office highlights Chagall's abstract depictions of biblical stories, such as Adam and Eve, adding a layer of intrigue to the visit.
Philippe Starck's Quirky Hotel Design
Adding to Metz's allure is Philippe Starck's Maison Heler, a design hotel that opened after a decade of development. The hotel features a turreted mansion house perched atop a nine-storey tower block, inspired by a novella about an inventor named Manfred Heler. The story involves an earthquake lifting the house, creating a fantastical backdrop for the hotel's industrial-themed bedrooms and pink-decorated bistro.
Stained-glass windows by Ara Starck cast a beautiful glow in the restaurant and cocktail bar, while affordable dining options include dishes like white asparagus with hollandaise and cod with pea broth. The hotel's whimsical design complements Metz's curious atmosphere, making it a perfect base for exploration.
Exploring Metz's Sights and Sounds
Visitors can easily navigate Metz using the free electric shuttle bus that loops the city centre. A solar-powered boat trip along the River Moselle offers views of landmarks like a Japanese Torii gate and the Temple Neuf with its shimmering steel-grey roof tiles. The city's blend of historic and modern elements ensures surprises at every turn, from ancient Roman sites to contemporary art installations.
Metz's transformation, aided by loans from the Pompidou Centre and Starck's innovative hotel, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique city break filled with cultural depth and architectural wonder.
