The Musee National Picasso in Paris is less famous than its massive counterpart in Barcelona, but it boasts one of the most extensive collections of works by the Spanish-born Cubist artist: after a major renovation, the museum comprises 40 rooms and around 400 works. of art on permanent display, which includes more than 250 paintings. These circulate regularly, drawing from an impressive permanent collection of some 5,000 works in total, including 1,700 drawings, nearly 300 sculptures, and works in various other media.
Masterpieces include Man With a Guitar and studies for the famous Demoiselles d’Avignon (the original for the latter is in the hands of MOMA in New York).
This quietly prestigious museum, which many tourists never venture to see, recently underwent a complete overhaul and reopened in October 2014 after a surprising five-year closure. The renovation saw the museum add two new levels, transform the basement level to replicate Picasso’s workspaces, and an entirely new lobby / reception room in the area that previously served as stables. Additionally, what once served as an attic now houses important works of the likes of Braque, Matisse, and Derain, and all from Picasso’s own collection. In total, the huge exhibition space now measures 3,000 square meters.
Overall, the renovated collection and space have been well received by visitors and curators. The new museum is lighter, brighter, and allows the artist’s remarkable work to shine like never before, many critics have noted. On the downside, none of the work on display in the permanent collection has annotations or labels, something some visitors have described as frustrating.
If you are interested in learning more about Picasso’s fascinating and varied work, be sure to spend some time on this remarkable collection.
Read related feature: Top Ten Museums in Paris
Location and contact information
The museum is located in the heart of the historic Marais district, in the 3rd district of Paris.
Access:
Hotel Sale
5, rue de Thorigny
Metro / RER: St-Paul, Rambuteau o Temple
Phone: +33 (0) 1 42 71 25 21
Visit the official website (in English)
Opening hours and tickets
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays, December 25, January 1, and May 1.
Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
weekdays and holidays (except the days mentioned above): 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Last entry to the museum at 5:15 pm Be sure to arrive several minutes in advance to guarantee entry.
Night Openings: The museum is open until 9 p.m. M. Every third Friday of every month.
Late at night, last entry to the museum at 8:15 pm (again, I recommend that you arrive several minutes in advance to purchase tickets in good time.
Nearby sights and attractions
- Barrio Marais
- Carnavalet Museum – Museo de Historia de París
- Georges Pompidou Center
