Your stay in Paris may be an opportunity to visit the Picasso Museum. Discover one of the world’s largest painting museums and its spectacular collection from the work of the famous Spanish painter.
Paris is a dream city for art lovers: a city museum par excellence, it is full of works of art. It is largely within it that modern and contemporary art forms during the twentieth century. Figure of the prow of this time, Picasso sees in the City of Light a real playground: for example, he will realize it Guernica one of his greatest works. It is no coincidence that the Musée Picasso in Paris contains the richest collection in the world of the painter.
In this article, we give you all the necessary information to visit the Picasso Museum in Paris, a vibrant witness to the common history between the city and the artist. Museum history, accessibility, prices, schedules... Follow the guide!
History of the Picasso Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Musée Picasso Paris
Picasso marked the history of art as few artists before him. He was born on October 25, 1881 in Andalusia and lived several periods, tense or dark, agitated or soft, classical or bohemian, which marked his work.
Thus, his artistic career consists of several stages: the blue period marked by the death of his friend Casagemas , the pink period witnessing a mild period, the formulation of cubism alongside George Braques, a more classical period, quickly followed by a disconnection expressing itself mainly in sculpture, a more politicized work and an end of life that will see to develop his career as a ceramist.
Through a collection of over 5,000 works, the Musée Picasso in Paris presents the artist’s extraordinary work. Paints, sculptures, engraved images, sketches, drawing books, photographs... A unique collection in the world that occupies a central place in the presentation of the artist’s work to the public, as well as in research relating to his work and contemporary art in general.
The Picasso Museum was inaugurated in 1985 in the enclosure of the Hotel Salé. Decision taken quickly, only one year after the painter's death. Hotel Salé is a magnificent and eccentric 17th century building, listed as a historic monument in 1968. It is restored and specially designed to welcome the work of Picasso by the architect Roland Simounet between 1979 and 1985, which must include the museum in the volume of the hotel. It creates a contrasting space, mixing the hotel’s superb heritage scenery with sleek amenities, offering visitors a real architectural walk. Despite some technical and budgetary difficulties that lead to the abandonment of certain spaces, the project ends in 1985 and Roland Simounet, already recognized, gets the prize of the Équerre d’Argent for his work.
It is especially for this collection that in 1968 the law tool establishing the dation of works of art in payment of the rights of succession, allowing the Picasso Museum to be greatly enriched. The State thus acquires a set of exceptional works, enriched by the donations of the heirs, but also of the relatives, of Picasso.
After 25 years of existence, the Picasso Museum undertakes new renovation work. The 17th century building and the layouts of Rolant Simounet are reworked, refining a new tour path and almost doubling the museum's surface.
What to see and do at the Picasso Museum in Paris?
Photo credit: Instagram – museepicassoparis
The visit is based on the architectural masterpiece of the Hotel Salé, the Grand Academie of Honour. Through 37 pieces , visitors have the opportunity to discover no less 500 works of the artist! The permanent exhibition takes the form of a chronological path that presents the different periods of Picasso’s work, as many windows on his life and work. The various exhibition spaces highlight the multiplicity of his work: paintings, engravings, sculptures, sketches... The only collection of this magnitude about Picasso, which allows to understand his work in its entirety, but also to discover his creative process.
Learn about them temporary exhibitions during your stay in Paris: the impressive collection of the museum allows you to regularly update the works of the artist through different themes. Beautiful opportunities to discover new facets of the world of Picasso.
You can browse the five levels of the museum and access all exhibitions with your ticket, which is a unique ticket. If you want to learn more about Picasso and his work, you can rent an audioguide , which also allows you to enjoy a course specially designed for families. The museum also offers guided tours, as well as theatrical visits thought by Pauline Caupenne , comedian and stage designer. A rich and original way to discover the world of Picasso!
The museum also offers special visits:
- For families : activities, workshops, courses...
- For children : playful activities thought for a young audience;
- For classes : Hourly slices are entirely dedicated to school bookings;
- For adult groups : a lecturer who shares his knowledge and comments on the exhibitions in progress.
How to go to the Picasso Museum in Paris?
The Picasso Museum is located in the heart of the Marais district of Paris. To visit the Picasso Museum in Paris, you will find several options:
The car
You can park in the various car parks of the neighborhood: Baudoyer, Centre Pompidou, Bastille-Saint-Antoine, Rivoli-Sébastopol, Trois Borne, Marais, Public Temple, etc.
Metro
To visit the Picasso Museum, you can take the following lines:
- Line 8 (Saint Sebastian-Froisssart or Green Path)
- Line 1 (St. Paul's decision).
The bus
The following lines serve the museum:
- Line 20 (Saint-Claude or Saint-Gilles Chemin Vert) ;
- Line 29 (stop Rue Vieille Du Temple) ;
- Line 65 (stop Rue Vieille Du Temple) ;
- Line 75 (Orders Archives or Rambuteau);
- Line 69 (stops Old Street of the Temple or Town Hall 4th);
- Line 96.
Le Vélib’
Station 3008 at 22 rue de la Perle and station 3002 at 22 rue Saint-Gilles are located near the museum.
Schedules & Prices of the Picasso Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Musée Picasso Paris
HORARI
You can visit the Picasso Museum at the following times:
- From Tuesday to Friday: 10.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- On Saturday, Sunday, holidays and during school holidays (zone C): 9.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Note : The Museum is closed every Monday, December 25, January 1 and May 1. The last access to the museum is 5:15 p.m.
RATES
Entrance to the Museum
- Adult : 14 €
- Free, for persons with evidence (less than 18 years old, less than 26 years old resident and nationals of the European Union, person with disabilities, applicant for employment, allocataire de minimas sociaux)
Rental of an audioguide
- Adult : 5 €
- Reduced price : 4 €
Guided tours
- Guided tour of the collection : 21 € (reduced price 5 €)
- Imaginary visit of Pauline Caupenne: 20 € (reduced price 15 €)
QUESTIONS
Is the museum accessible to persons with disabilities?
Yes! Admission is free for persons with disabilities and for a companion. Have a proof.
Can we bring bags or luggage to the museum?
Baggage is prohibited in the museum’s enclosure. On the other hand, the museum holds a dressing room available to visitors.
Where can we know the exhibitions of the moment?
Visiting the Picasso Museum is also learning more about the artist through unpublished exhibitions. Visit the museum website to discover temporary exhibitions!
What's the point? Picasso Pass ?
You can support the museum through membership Picasso Pass. Benefit from a free and unlimited entry for a year and enjoy many additional benefits: reduced rates, invitations to events, cultural offers, etc.
Which languages are available for audioguides?
The following languages are available: French, English, Spanish, German and Chinese.
Is it possible to draw against the works of the museum?
Visiting the Picasso Museum in Paris is also an opportunity to draw in front of the painter’s masterpieces. Whatever your level, you can enjoy some Saturdays of the year – see the museum’s website for dates. However, you will have to pay 20 € (or 15 € if you benefit from the reduced rate).
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