Visiting the Picasso Museum art collection in central Paris
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The Picasso Museum in Paris, officially known as the Musée Picasso, is dedicated to the works of the renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. It is located in the historic Hôtel Salé in the trendy Marais district of Paris.
Pablo Picasso was a Spanish artist born on October 25, 1881, in Málaga, Spain. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and co-founded the Cubist movement with Georges Braque.
Picasso created thousands of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and drawings, with famous works such as Guernica and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. His innovative styles changed modern art and inspired generations of artists around the world.
Picasso died on April 8, 1973, in Mougins at the age of 91.
Hôtel Salé
The Hôtel Salé was constructed in the late 17th century, specifically between 1656 and 1659, and it exemplifies the architectural style of the time. The building has a rich history, originally serving as a private residence for the wealthy merchant Pierre Aubert. Over the centuries, it changed ownership multiple times and underwent various modifications.
In 1974, after being acquired by the state, the Hôtel Salé was designated as the future site for the Musée Picasso. The museum officially opened in 1985, showcasing a significant collection of Picasso’s works alongside various archives, including sketches, photographs, and memorabilia.
The Museum’s Collection of Works
The museum houses an extensive assortment of more than 5,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and drawings spanning Picasso’s prolific career. In 2014, the museum underwent a major renovation and expansion, allowing for an enhanced display of the art and providing better visitor accessibility. The redesign aimed to create a dialogue between Picasso’s works and the architecture of the Hôtel Salé, making for a more immersive experience.
Here are some of my favorite works from the collection:
Autoportrait
This painting is titled Autoportrait, or self-portrait, and was painted in Paris during the autumn of 1906.
La Baie de Cannes
This painting is called “Cannes bay” and depicts a lovely Mediterranean sea scene. It was painted between April 19 and June 9 in 1958.
Deux Femmes courant sur la plage (La Course)
This stunning painting with a stunning blue hue is called “Two women running on the beach” and was painted in Dinard in the summer of 1922.
Nu sur fond blanc
This painting is called “Nude on a white background” and was painted in Paris in 1927.
Nu au bouquet d’Iris et au miroir
This painting is called “Nude with a Bouquet of Irises and a Mirror” and was painted in Boisgeloup on May 22, 1934.
Le Baiser
This lovely painting is called “The Kiss” and was painted in Mougins on October 26, 1969.
Portrait of Dora Maar
This was my favorite portrait in the portrait gallery room of the museum. It was created in Paris in 1937 and depicts the surrealist artist and photographer whom Picasso met in 1935.
Throughout its existence, the Picasso Museum has played an essential role in promoting an in-depth understanding of the artist’s life and impact on modern art.
How to Visit
You must reserve a ticket in advance to guarantee entry during your preferred time. I’ve seen the museum get extremely busy, especially on weekends, so this is one place I would absolutely recommend reserving in advance!
5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France.
