Paris' Montparnasse Tower to Shut Doors from March 31, 2026
Reporter
February 26, 2026 | 12:05 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Montparnasse Tower in Paris and its 56th-floor observatory will close for renovations beginning March 31, 2026.
The controversial skyscraper offers some of the best panoramic views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, and Sacré-Cœur. On clear days, visitors can also see Luxembourg Gardens and Montparnasse Cemetery.
Opened in 1973 and standing 210 meters tall, Montparnasse Tower has long been a subject of debate due to its stark concrete design, which contrasts sharply with Paris’s classic architecture.
Locals even joke that the only place to see a full view of Paris is from the top of the tower, as it is the one spot where the building itself is not visible.
Comprehensive Renovation Plans
After more than 50 years, the tower will undergo a major renovation led by the Nouvelle AOM consortium, formed by the founders of Franklin Azzi, ChartierDalix, and Hardel Le Bihan.
The consortium won the design competition for the Montparnasse renovation in 2017. The project was initially expected to be completed before the 2024 Olympics.
The Renzo Piano Building Workshop will focus on renovating the commercial base of the tower. Planned updates include a tree-filled plaza with cafes, terraces, and cultural and sports facilities, a new glass façade, a rooftop glass greenhouse, and an increase in height by approximately 12 meters.
“The scale of the new buildings is calibrated to harmonise with the surrounding urban fabric, reinforcing the feeling of a coherent Parisian block rather than a monolithic complex,” said the architecture firm, as reported by Euronews.
The renovation is expected to be completed by 2030. Tenants will vacate the building at the end of next month to allow work to begin. Tourists have until March 31, 2026, to visit the rooftop observatory, which on clear days offers views extending up to 40 kilometers.
Alternative Spots for Panoramic Views
While Montparnasse Tower is closed, visitors can still enjoy panoramic views of Paris at several locations. The dome of Sacré-Cœur, standing 82 meters atop Montmartre, offers daily tours and sweeping city vistas.
The Duo Tower in the 13th arrondissement, consisting of two skyscrapers designed by Jean Nouvel, offers additional high-rise perspectives. Travelers can enjoy views from TOO TacTac on the 27th floor (120 meters) or the Windo Skybar on the 34th floor (140 meters) of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile in the 17th arrondissement.
Imanda Zahwa contributed to the writing of this article.
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