Paris this summer is a stage for a unique collaboration between a legendary sportswear brand and a beloved Parisian landmark, celebrating both sport and culture with a nod to their intertwined history of innovation.
Nike takes center court (pun intended) with its “Art of Victory” exhibition, opening on July 24th at the Centre Pompidou. This exhibition promises a deep dive into the ever-evolving journey of Nike Air technology. The location itself holds special significance – the Centre Pompidou’s radical, inside-out architecture served as a major inspiration for Tinker Hatfield when designing the now-iconic visible Air cushioning unit incorporated into the Air Max 1 nearly four decades ago.
Nike will transform the Centre Pompidou’s instantly recognizable facade into a vibrant canvas, showcasing groundbreaking stories of athletic achievement in this iconic Parisian space. The transformed facade will also become a venue for a series of interactive sporting experiences open to everyone.
Tinker Hatfield himself emphasizes the spirit of this partnership: “For me, the message is to be bold when you have a good idea,” he says. “Take a risk, disrupt a little. That’s what got people talking about both the building and the Air Max 1. The tech is important, but it’s the boldness, the disruption, that truly captures attention.”
Stepping outside the Centre Pompidou, visitors will be immersed in another layer of the Nike experience. A massive, eye-catching display will unfold across the facade, showcasing groundbreaking moments in sports history. This immersive experience harkens back to Nike’s 30th-anniversary celebration for the Air Max 1 at the very same Centre Pompidou in 2017.
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Art also takes center stage with “Cycloid Piazza” (2024), a public, skateable sculpture designed by French artist Raphael Zarka in collaboration with architect Jean-Benoît Vétillard. Commissioned by the Centre Pompidou with Nike’s support, this unique structure invites the public to engage with art in a fresh, interactive way.
Daily programming throughout the event will celebrate various sports, offering experiences in running, basketball, football (soccer), skateboarding, and even breakdancing.
The “Art of Victory” exhibition runs from July 24th to August 11th at the Centre Pompidou in the heart of Paris. To register for the exhibition and learn more about the programming outside the Centre Pompidou, visit Paris.nike.com. Additionally, during this period, entry to the Centre Pompidou’s exhibitions and permanent collection will be free for visitors under the age of 26.
