Paris's Pompidou Centre, which houses one of the world's most significant modern art collections in one of the most celebrated modern buildings on the planet, shuts to visitors on Monday for a major five-year overhaul estimated to cost almost half a billion euros. Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers as an open space for all, and named after former president Georges Pompidou, who died in office in 1974, the centre opened its doors in 1977. Asbestos removal, accessibility, security and a complete interior redesign are all on the agenda for the major renovations at the Pompidou Centre. "We hope that visitors will feel a bit (of) the same shock as when the Centre opened in 1977," he added. The total cost of the renovation is estimated at €460 million, of which €280 million will be financed by the French state.