Claude Pompidou

Claude Jacqueline Pompidou (née Cahour; 13 November 1912 – 3 July 2007) was the wife of President of France Georges Pompidou. She was a philanthropist and a patron of modern art, especially through the Centre Georges Pompidou.

Life before politics

She was born Claude Jacqueline Cahour in Château-Gontier, Mayenne, one of two daughters of a doctor. Her mother died when she was three years old. Jacques Chirac served as the Treasurer of the Foundation for over three decades. His wife Bernadette Chirac became the president of the Foundation, following the death of Mme Pompidou.

Pompidou Centre

Pompidou played a key role in establishing the Centre Georges Pompidou. The building was designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers (it is said that Georges Pompidou didn't approve of the choice of the jury who picked up Piano and Rogers, and that he would have preferred a more classic architecture) and the choice of artwork for the Centre was based largely of her knowledge of her husband's tastes. She was particularly inspired by the work of Yves Klein. She also played an active role in the foundation.

She published her memoirs, L’Élan du Coeur, in 1997. She died in Paris. The funeral service was held in church Saint-Louis-en-l'Île in presence of president Nicolas Sarkozy, former president Jacques Chirac, Farah Pahlavi, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Maurice Druon and business woman Liliane Bettencourt.