This summer, as the world’s best athletes gather in Paris for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Nike is partnering with the iconic Centre Pompidou to host a remarkable exhibition that pays homage to the shared history of innovation between the two institutions. The “Art of Victory” exhibition, which opens on July 24th, 2024, will showcase the continuous journey of Nike Air innovation, drawing inspiration from the very place where the revolutionary design of the Air Max 1 was born nearly four decades ago.
The partnership between Nike and the Centre Pompidou has a deeper meaning, as Tinker Hatfield, the visionary behind the Air Max 1, credits the museum’s inside-out architecture as the catalyst for the visible Air cushioning technology he incorporated into the groundbreaking sneaker. Encouraging boldness and calculated risk-taking in the pursuit of a great idea, Hatfield emphasizes the importance of being disruptive to attract attention, a principle embodied by both the Air Max 1 and the Centre Pompidou itself.
Beyond the exhibition, Nike will transform the Centre Pompidou’s iconic façade into a canvas of groundbreaking sports stories, creating an immersive experience for visitors. This bold display pays homage to Nike’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Air Max 1, which took place at the Centre Pompidou in 2017. In addition, a public and skateable sculpture titled “Cycloid Piazza” (2024), designed by French artist Raphael Zarka in collaboration with architect Jean-Benoît Vétillard, will be unveiled, inviting the public to engage with art in an innovative way.
The “Art of Victory” exhibition will be accompanied by a daily program celebrating various sports, including running, basketball, global soccer, skateboarding and breaking experiences. This comprehensive celebration of sport and culture will take place in one of Paris’ most iconic outdoor spaces, making it accessible to all.
The exhibition will run from July 24th, 2024 to August 11th, 2024 at the Centre Pompidou in the heart of Paris. Visitors under the age of 26 will have free access to the Centre Pompidou’s exhibitions and permanent collection during this period. Those interested in visiting the exhibition and learning more about programming outside of the Centre Pompidou can register at paris.nike.com.
