What was the preeminent center of modernism before world war 2?

Before World War II, Paris was the preeminent center of modernism. It was a hub for influential artists, writers, and intellectuals such as Pablo Picasso, James Joyce, and Gertrude Stein, who were pivotal in shaping modernist thought and aesthetics. The city fostered a vibrant cultural scene characterized by experimentation in literature, visual arts, and philosophy, making it the focal point for avant-garde movements. This rich environment attracted talents from around the world, establishing Paris as the heart of modernist innovation.