In 2002, when the idea to decentralise the Centre Pompidou was launched, a number of cities were considered including Caen, Montpellier, Lyon, Nancy, Lille and Metz.
Metz was chosen since it benefits from numerous assets enabling it to embrace a project of this scope:
An available site merely 2 minutes from the railway station and close to the town centre;
A town planning project for a new district, the Amphitheatre district, incorporating the Centre Pompidou-Metz that will be its bridgehead;
A strategic geographical location at the heart of Europe;
A city served by the high speed train (TGV);
A political intention to promote and invest in culture to consolidate the notoriety and economic growth of the city;
The necessary financial capacity to invest in such a project.