The Picasso Museum is housed in the Hôtel Salé, a grand, 16th-century mansion in Paris’ arty Marais district. The museum was founded in 1985, following a large donation of artworks made by Picasso’s relatives; it also contains Picasso’s personal archives, as well as a collection of works once owned by the artist. An extensive five-year renovation, completed in 2014, doubled the museum’s size, and has made it more accessible than ever.
Those wishing to visit the Picasso Museum have numerous options. Small-group tours provide an intimate way to explore the collection highlights and discover the stories behind the artworks; many also include convenient skip-the-line entry. The museum is also a key stop on Marais walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus itineraries.
Barring one specially preserved heritage room, the Picasso Museum is accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
The museum's eatery, the Café sur le Toit, is located on its rooftop, and features an array of salads, baguette sandwiches, soups, and other gourmet fare.
Free entry to the museum is offered on the first Sunday of each month.
The museum also includes a collection of 50 furnishings designed by artist Diego Giacometti.
The Picasso Museum is easily reached by the Métro; take line 1 to Saint-Paul, or line 8 to Saint-Sébastien-Froissart or Chemin Vert. Numerous bus lines, including the 20, 29, 65, 69, 75, and 96 all stop in the vicinity. The museum can also be accessed on foot, by Vélib’, by car or by taxi.
Typically, the Picasso Museum is open from 10:30am–6pm on Tuesday–Friday, and 9:30am–6pm on Saturday–Sunday, though hours may vary for school holiday periods. The museum is closed on Mondays, December 25, January 1, and May 1. As the museum hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year, repeat visits are encouraged.
Both the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou were under development at the same time, and the former was specifically designed as a contrast to the hyper-modern latter. Located just a quick stroll apart, the two are the ideal makings of an artistic day out on the Right Bank.
