France, Sept. 22 -- One of Paris's most iconic landmarks - and home to Europe's largest modern art collection- is about to draw its shutters for a five-year makeover. However, the masterpieces will continue to be exhibited across France and abroad through temporary shows and loans.

The Pompidou Centre, with its brightly coloured pipes, external escalators and unmistakably futuristic silhouette, will close its doors to the public on Monday 22 September for a €460 million overhaul that promises to reimagine the building from top to bottom.

Since opening in 1977, the Pompidou has become as famous for its radical architecture as for the treasures inside.

Conceived by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the building flipped convention on ...