Jersey City will partner with Centre Pompidou of Paris, France to bring about the Centre Pompidou x Jersey City Museum which will be located in Journal Square. This will be Centre Pompidou’s first North American partnership — and they have picked no better place than the city of Jersey City to create this international destination for the arts. The museum was slated to open in 2024, but was delayed until 2026 back in April. Centre Pompidou also hosted a ‘Night of Ideas’ event in Jersey City this March which featured exhibitions, debates, panels, screenings, performances, and workshops. NJEDA pulled its support of the project in June 2024 — saying it was “no longer feasible” — but Jersey City Mayor Stephen Fulop has since said that the project can still move forward without the financial support of the NJEDA. As of September 2024, the Jersey City Council has approved a $30 million tax abatement for a new version of the project. Keep reading to learn about Centre Pompidou and the latest updates on its plans for expansion in Jersey City.
^ Current building. Courtesy of OMA.
‘Night of Ideas’ Event
Centre Pompidou’s ‘Night of Ideas’ event took place on March 1st, 2024 at Hudson County Community College from 6PM-1AM, per NJ.com. The event included a variety of happenings — including exhibitions, debates, panels, screenings, musical performances, and workshops while discussing urban issues like climate, development, and gentrification.
The event was organized by the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs, Centre Pompidou, Hudson County Community College, and Villa Albertine (a US-based French arts + culture institution). Villa Albertine hosts a variety of free public events, such as the ‘Night of Ideas’, around the country.
Read More: All About Mana Contemporary Art Facility in Jersey City
Centre Pompidou
^ Future building. Courtesy of OMA.
The Centre Pompidou is a national cultural institution in Paris that includes the Musee National ’art Moderne. The museum receives more than 3.5 million visitors every year to admire its exhibitions, architecture and design, graphical arts, and more.
The Centre Pompidou has successfully launched the Centre Pompidou Malaga in Spain, KANAL-Centre Pompidou Brussels in Belgium, Centre Pompidou x West Bund Museum in Shanghai, China, and their newest partnership and first-ever North American endeavour will be taking place in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Centre Pompidou x Jersey City
The Centre Pompidou x Jersey City was first scheduled to open in 2024, but was delayed back in April 2023. Per NJ.com, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the art destination will not open until at least early 2026, citing the Covid-19 pandemic as well as contract issues for the delay.
The new museum will become “an all-new leading international cultural hub.” At this location, there will be exclusive exhibitions made with modern and contemporary masterpieces from the Paris location as well as hands-on and cultural experiences. The partnership will solidify Jersey City as a destination for cultural experiences, not only for its residents but also for visitors and tourists alike.
The goal of the Centre Pompidou x Jersey City is to attract the most diverse group of individuals to be able to provide a different form of cultural outreach all around. It will be located at 25 Journal Square in Jersey City.
^ Current interior. Photo Credit: OMA.
As Mayor Fulop of Jersey City said, “As the largest modern and contemporary art collection in Europe, the Centre Pompidou is the perfect partner to carry out our vision and solidify Journal Square as a regional anchor for the arts This is the latest major step towards our broader revitalization goals, utilizing all our City has to offer and establishing Journal Square as a cultural destination for generations to come.”
This partnership will be led by Jason Long, a partner at OMA. OMA New York has successfully completed many projects like Millstein Hall at Cornell, the Wyly Theater in Dallas, the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion in Quebec, and more. Jason Long said, “We look forward to working with Mayor Fulop, Jersey City, and the Centre Pompidou in transforming the Pathside building into a revolutionary new space for art, culture, and community whose impact will be felt far beyond New Jersey.”
Though 2026 is a little ways away, we’ve got this historical walking tour of the Journal Square neighborhood for you to check out in the meantime.
The Latest Updates as of September 2024
In spring 2024, the head of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) told the executive director of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA) that the Pompidou project must address a $19 million shortfall in the next month or risk losing $34 million in funding. According to the Hudson County View, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan wrote in a letter to JCRA Executive Director Diana Jeffrey: “We have taken time to review the plan in depth, and it is evident that strides have been made in identifying funding sources, including substantial State appropriations and potential tax credits under the recently-enacted Cultural Arts Incentives Program.”
However, NJEDA pulled its support of the project in June 2024, per the Hudson County View. A letter sent to the Pompidou team said, “Due to the ongoing impact of COVID and multiple global conflicts on the supply chain, rising costs, an irreconcilable operating gap, and the corresponding financial burdens it will create for New Jersey’s taxpayers, the Legislature has rescinded financial support, leaving us to determine that this project is unfortunately no longer feasible.”
Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop shared an op-ed outlining how the project can still move forward without NJEDA’s financial support. That came in advance of a Jersey City Council meeting on Wednesday, September 11th where a new proposal for the project was shared. In the essay, Mayor Fulop argued that “The choices before the City Council are whether to do nothing and allow this opportunity to pass us by with limited community giveback or to grant a PILOT in exchange for a transformational, multigenerational opportunity for our residents.”
See More: A Look Inside the Montclair Art Museum + Everything It Has to Offer
Councilmember James E. Solomon shared a statement pushing back on the new proposal. “I want to make world-class arts and culture available to all in Jersey City as much as anyone who calls our city home. But we are in a budget crisis fueled exactly by the kinds of tax breaks to wealthy developers proposed to fund this museum. This is not a good deal for Jersey City residents,” he said in a statement.
Per the Jersey City Times, a 30-year tax abatement that “administration argues is necessary to bring the world-renowned art museum to Journal Square in Jersey City,” was passed on its first reading by a vote of 6-2 (with one abstention) at the September 11th City Council meeting — though Councilmembers did voice their concerns about the project. Councilmen James Solomon and Frank Gilmore opposed the measure, while Councilman Rich Boggiano abstained. The abatement would result in a little less than half of the projected tax revenue on the future mixed-use project, per a previous comment from the City’s financial consultant.
The abatement must pass on a second reading to be officially approved, which could take place at the next City Council meeting on September 25th.
The proposal’s second reading happened at the September 25th, 2024, City Council meeting. Per the Hudson County View, the meeting was long and contentious, with several council members exchanging heated remarks. The proposal passed with a vote of six to three.
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And the Winner of the 2025 Hoboken Girl Puppy Photo Bowl Is…
It's always an incredibly tough decision with all of the cute pups out there, but our 5th annual HG Puppy Bowl Contest 2025 finally has a winner after a long weekend of voting. Scroll down for the big reveal...
MEATBALL!!!
Over the last week, the top 9 finalists were voted on, and the people and pups have spoken.
Meatball's owner shared with us:
“Meatball, the 1.5-year-old Corgi, is a connoisseur of fine treats with a penchant for charming his dads into extra helpings of Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Hearts and Pure Bites freeze-dried beef or salmon. This well-traveled pup has already explored Florida, Napa, CA, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, leaving a trail of admirers in his wake. A beloved “frequent flier” at Hoboken Bond Vet, Meatball is now setting his sights on a new challenge: winning Hoboken’s Puppy Bowl 2025.”
Here's what Meatball will get to enjoy with his winnings:
The Prizes
L+B Healthy Pet Markets | 155 4th Street, Hoboken
IG handle: @lbhealthypetmarkets
Giveaway + Gift Value: $100 gift card
Bond Vet | 1425 Washington Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @bondvetclinic
Giveaway + Gift Value: Appointment credit for the Hoboken location ($100 value)
Cornerstone Pets | 105 9th Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @cornerstonepets
Giveaway + Gift Value: Gift basket valued at $150
Hound About Town | 17 McWilliams Place + 218 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
IG Handle: @houndabouttown
Giveaway + Gift Value: $50 gift card, Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser, Dandylion Lick Mat, and Muttluks Nosemagik Soothing Nose Balm ($100 value)
The Local Girl Media Group
IG Handle: @thelocalgirlhq
Giveaway Gift + Value: $50 gift card to New Jersey business of choice
Email [email protected] to claim your Puppy Bowl prizes.
The Other 2025 Finalists
Luna
Luna's owners shared with us:
"Luna Balloona is a 4 year old English Bulldog who currently resides in Exchange Place, Jersey City. She’s as stubborn as she is cute. Fetch? Ha! Walks? Good luck. She’s the boss of the house and everyone knows it. She’s steals toys from her sister, only to drop them seconds later and move on. Her favorite spot is the kitchen, where her lightning fast reflexes catch any stray food particles before they hit the floor. Be warned: this smoosh-floof seductress may look like she only wants to be loved and held close but these are lies! Luna’s cuddles are not to be trusted as they’re often accompanied by 'unexpected rough air'."
David
David's owners shared with us:
"David is 100% American bully with a beautiful brindle coat. He’s 7 years old and we rescued him in June on a whim at an event at the Ale House. He’s the sweetest boy in the world, his favorite store is cornerstone and his favorite treats are greenies!"
Joey
Joey's owners shared with us:
"Meet Joey, the three-legged pittie with a heart as big as her smile! After being hit by a car living on the streets of Philly, she was given a second chance at life, and now she’s all about living it to the fullest. Joey may be missing a leg, but that doesn’t slow her down one bit—she’s a goofy, 50lb lap dog with endless love to give. Her sweet nature, fun-loving antics, and those irresistible wiggles when she’s excited make her the absolute best."
Riley
Rileys owners shared with us:
"Meet Riley, a 3-year-old booty shaking bundle of joy from Hoboken! Riley was adopted from Maryland and has been living her best city girl life ever since. She’s got a serious love for treats, especially the Mackie's treats that her mom and dad get at the Hoboken Farmers Market (she can spot them from a mile away!). When she’s not enjoying a snack, you can find Riley at Church Square Dog Park, where she’s the queen of chasing pigeons and squirrels, or down the shore on her Grandma and Grandpa's boat. Her favorite local hangout is Hoboken Pet, but she also loves tagging along with mom and dad to Mojo Coffee Shop, where they always have dog treats ready for her. Fun facts: Riley is afraid of cats (even though she tries to act tough), she’s a pro napper while her mom works from home, and if you catch her in a good mood, she’ll wow you with the cutest butt wiggles you’ve ever seen!"
Cinnamon Puff
Cinnamon Puff's owners shared with us:
"Meet Cinnamon Puff! He’s a 10-week-old Yorkipoo who recently moved to Hoboken with his parents after being adopted from a friend whose dogs had puppies. Though he’s still settling into his new home, Cinnamon Puff is already loving exploring around Hoboken. We’ve been taking him for "walks" (aka carrying him in a bag) around town so he can take in all the sights and smells. He’s been loving the local pet stores and has already scored plenty of treats (shout out Cornerstone Pets and Bond Vet for the goody bag and treats). He’s soaking it all in and adjusting to his new life with endless curiosity. We are so thrilled to have him and can’t wait for the many adventures ahead with our little buddy!"
Zorba
Zorba's owners shared with us:
"Zorba is a 6.5 year old German shepherd whose first visit as a puppy after being adopted was to Stevens campus to visit his now Dad. He now lives a spoiled life in his favorite city with his parents (who are both Stevens Alumni) getting absolutely everything he wants. Zorba has osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, so his favorite new activity is going for therapy at Sage Veterinary in Jersey City to do the under water treadmill - where he gets lots of treats. One of Zorba’s best buddies was the stray cat who lived near our building! She used to follow him around and sit on his tail. The cat (Cleo - now Yardie) was untrusting of humans but when Zorba was outside, she would trust him and come close. Zorba likes to say he was instrumental in getting her rescued and adopted. Zorba’s favorite treats are beef lung from Hoboken Pet."
Metro
Metro's owners shared with us:
"Metro is a 1 year old cockapoo and is just the happiest guy. Originally from NYC, he moved across the Hudson to Hoboken with his pawrents in late 2024 and is loving his new city! He loves going anywhere with his mom, whether it’s picking up more chicken treats at LB Healthy Pet Markets or grabbing a drink at The Ale House. You can find him cruising down Washington with his head out the window every weekend. He also loves creating content for his TikTok account, @metrothecockapoo!"
Winni
Winni's owners shared with us:
"I’m Winni, a 1 year old silver brindle pug! I live in Hoboken, NJ with my mom and all my friends aka anyone who will pet me or let me sit on their laps! I am OBSESSED with Cornerstone Pets and will refuse my treats at home so my mom will take me there for their superior treats! My grandma calls me the parkour pug because I run so fast and love to go under things (people’s legs and park benches) and jump up on high surfaces like it’s no problem! I love to go shopping with my mom, get pup cups and sit on random strangers laps at the dog park!"
Thanks again to all who entered and donated to Wise Animal Rescue and Ace of Hearts Rescue — and stay tuned for some potential additional pup features because we just love them all!
