Experience Picasso Like Never Before At Paris' Picasso Museum

Experience Picasso Like Never Before At Paris' Picasso Museum
Audrey
Audrey 
Updated
| 2 min read

Paris’ Picasso Museum is one of the world’s most impressive museums featuring the artist. Housed in Hôtel Salé, a grand townhouse dating to the mid-17th century, the Picasso Museum was closed between 2011 and 2014 for renovation and expansion. This work modernized the museum and tripled the size of the exhibition space, making it well worth the wait. This unique manor features paintings, drawings and sculptures from all of Picasso’s major time periods and is truly a gem in the Paris museum scene. In addition, the museum hosts works of other artists who worked with Picasso, as well as works that were included in the artist’s personal collection, for a total of over 4,500 pieces. During your visit, be sure to visit the rooftop cafe for a relaxing pause.

Fall in love with the building

Museum interior

The works of one of the world’s greatest artists deserve a beautiful setting and the architecture of the Picasso Museum certainly lives up to this ideal. Visitors enter through a vast courtyard in front of the museum and are immediately surrounded by its imposing walls. Sphinxes adorn the top of the building, further adding to the intrigue.

Upon entering the museum, you will notice crisp white walls that give brightness and that serve to highlight Picasso’s masterpieces. As you make your way upstairs, be sure to notice the wrought-iron staircases, the intricate stone engravings on the walls, and the funky chandeliers designed by artist Diego Giacometti.

The third floor of the museum resembles an art gallery, with wood floors, track lighting and exposed beams. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the building are the hidden nooks and crannies. These small rooms feature Picasso’s drawings as well as photographs of the artist and articles about his life. It’s very easy to miss these rooms, so be very observant during your visit.

Follow Picasso’s artistic progression through his works

Grande Nature morte au guéridon (1931)

It’s a guarantee that everyone knows Picasso. His cubist paintings revolutionized artistic expression and his works can be found in all of the world’s greatest museums. However, there is much more to his career than most people realize. For one, not all of his paintings were done in the abstract cubist style, rather he experimented with landscapes, still lifes, and classically-styled portraits. In addition, he sculpted, drew, and constructed mixed-media installations.

Paris’ Picasso Museum is incredible because it features works from all of Picasso’s media and styles. Particularly, there are a large number of statues on the first and second floors. The second floor also features paintings from Picasso’s Blue Period: those in a cubist style, and those which are surrealist. On the third floor, find colorful landscapes and works created from various odds and ends (string, metal, kitchen tools). Also on the third floor, visitors are invited to view works from other masters who inspired Picasso, as well as observe paintings from the artist’s personal collection.

Relax in the rooftop café

** Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.**

After passing a few fascinating hours in the museum, head to Le Café sur le Toit (The Café on the Roof) for a relaxing hideaway. The café features quality, in-season products as well as Spanish specialties in honor of the artist’s roots. At lunch, enjoy salads, sandwiches, and soups. In the afternoon, sip tea and enjoy pastries and ice cream from Maison Angelina, a staple in the Paris dessert scene.

Have an unforgettable time at the Picasso Museum

With its beautiful building, enormous collection, and fantastic café, the Picasso Museum has everything to please visitors. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 AM to 6.00 PM and on weekends from 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM. Tickets cost 12.50 EUR (13.85 USD). Free entry is provided to European residents under 26 and children under 18. The museum can be accessed via subway line 1 getting off at stop Saint-Paul.

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Audrey is a 25-year-old American living in South Korea and teaching English. She lived in Paris for two years as a French language student and au pair. During that time she also mastered the art...Read more

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