An exceptional account of a multifaceted French Cultural institution recognized as one of the most ambitious internationally.

From his arrival at the Centre Pompidou in 1971 to his departure in 1978, Claude Mollard kept a meticulous journal of his activities. 50 years later, this previously unpublished archival document takes us behind the scenes of this bold project, at the very limits of what seemed feasible. In this perfect scenario, blending drama and human comedy, the author recounts the political and administrative battles fought against all odds. Describing the people, crises, and decisive moments, he reveals how this disruptive institution took shape within the cultural and artistic landscape of the time.