The Centre Pompidou in Paris hosts several outstanding cultural institutions, among them the Bibliothéque Publique d’Information (BPI), one of the most significant public libraries in France.
The library decided to put Gömböc 500 on permanent exhibit in the section hosting science books. Gömböc 500 became the world’s largest monolithic Gömböc on public display. The serial number refers to the Universal Decimal Classification system, broadly used worldwide in libraries. In this system the number 500 signifies mathematics and natural sciences. The same is true for the Dewey Decimal Classification system.
The library ordered a special showcase to host the unique Gömböc model which was transported from Budapest to Paris by diplomatic courier. Our top picture commemorates the arrival of G500 at BPI. From left to right: Faustine Lejour, head of the division of art and scienes, Luis Cercos, architect of BPI who designed the showcase, László Györe from the Hungarian Embassy in Paris, Ákos Cseke, cultural attaché at the Liszt Institute in Paris, Francoise Chevalier, head of the science book collection. BPI posted a news on its website and published a video.
On April 17th 2023, the Centre Pompidou and the Hungarian Embassy in France jointly organized a special event (picked up also in the local media) to introduce the new exhibit to the public. The first part of the event was organized in the Petite Salle of the Centre, where His Excellency Georges Habsbourg-Lorraine, ambassador oh Hungary in Paris, gave an introduction which was followed by an on-stage conversation between the mathematician Roger Mansuy and Gábor Domokos, one of the inventors.
After the public discussion ended, a guided tour was organized to the exhibit where the audience had the opportunity to see Gömböc 500 in its special showcase.
Gömböc 500 is the largest monolithic Gömböc model manufactured so far. Standing 300mm tall, width 267 mm, length 333 mm, it is made from clear plexiglass and has mass 25.5kg. Its production was sponsored by Mr Ottó Albrecht.