Heads up, art lovers! Tucked away in a grand Parisian mansion from the 17th century, the Picasso Museum is an absolute gem for anyone itching to dive deep into the mesmerizing world of one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists.
So, let’s set sail on this artistic journey!
💡 The Captain’s tip 💡
Want to know more about the history of Paris? Captain Ulysses highly recommends this free guided tour of the capital. It’s up to you to choose how much you wish to tip the tour guide!
Are you looking for a hotel in Paris? Feel free to have a look at the Captain’s article: Where to stay in Paris? Tips & recommendations
A Bit of History
A Glimpse into Picasso’s Life
When you think of groundbreaking art from the 20th century, Picasso’s name inevitably pops up.
A trailblazer of Cubism alongside Georges Braque, Picasso’s revolutionary approach—drawing inspiration from African art—saw him break down objects into geometric forms, presenting a multi-angled view of reality. His masterpiece, “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, epitomizes this dramatic shift from traditional art.
But Picasso wasn’t just a one-trick pony. Over his illustrious career, he dabbled in a myriad of artistic movements, from symbolism and fauvism to surrealism.
His art also mirrored the tumultuous times he lived in, with pieces like “Guernica” capturing the horrors of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s.
More than just an artist, Picasso’s relentless evolution and reinvention cemented his status as a titan of his era.
The Picasso Museum in Paris: A Brief Overview
Nestled in the heart of the historic Marais district, the Picasso Museum calls the Hôtel Salé its home. This opulent mansion, built in the 17th century by Pierre Aubert de Fontenay (a tax collector on salt, hence the name “Salé”),
has worn many hats over the centuries: from the Venice Embassy to an art school. Acquired by the city of Paris in the 1960s, it was designated a Historic Monument.
Upon Picasso’s passing in 1973, the French State became the custodian of a treasure trove of his artworks. The Hôtel Salé was chosen to showcase this vast collection,
and after a major facelift, the Picasso Museum threw open its doors in 1985. Today, it’s more than just a museum—it’s a hub for research, study, and dialogue centered around the legendary Spaniard’s work. The museum stands as a heartfelt nod to Picasso, underscoring his monumental impact on French culture.
🎨 Picasso & Paris: A Love Affair 🎨
Picasso’s life and art are deeply intertwined with Paris.
From the moment he set foot in the French capital in 1900, he was smitten.
Montmartre, with its bohemian vibe, left an indelible mark on him. The friendships he forged and the haunts he frequented there deeply influenced his work. Paris reciprocated this love, forever cherishing Picasso as the most Parisian of Spanish artists.
A Guide to the Picasso Museum in Paris
Nestled in the historic Marais district, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit for art aficionados. Ready for a deep dive into the world of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists?
Let’s go!
The Hôtel Salé
The museum’s residence, the Hôtel Salé, is a stunning mansion commissioned by Pierre Aubert in the mid-17th century.
Fresh off a revamp, this building seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. Its majestic entrance on rue de Thorigny is a sight to behold, as is the garden-facing facade.
And don’t even get Captain Ulysses started on the grand staircase—it’s a showstopper with its exquisite wrought iron railing.
The Artworks
Boasting over 5,000 artworks and a whopping 200,000 archive pieces, this museum is home to the world’s most extensive Picasso collection. From paintings and sculptures to sketches and ceramics, it’s a comprehensive showcase of the maestro’s genius.
And it’s not just Picasso’s creations on display—you’ll also find pieces from his personal collection, featuring works by legends like Matisse, Miró, and Cézanne.
Temporary Exhibitions
Since its grand reopening in 2014, the Picasso Museum has been buzzing with activity. With its ambitious temporary exhibitions and a slew of events, it offers fresh perspectives on Picasso’s legacy.
Practical Information
Getting to The Picasso Museum
Located at 5 rue de Thorigny in the heart of the Marais,
the Picasso Museum is quite easy to get to:
- Metro: Line 1 (Saint-Paul Stop), Line 8 (Saint-Sébastien Froissart and Chemin Vert Stops).
- Bus: 29, 96, 75, 69, 76, 67, 72
Operating Hours of the Musée Picasso
Open for business every day except Mondays:
- Tuesdays to Fridays: 10:30 am to 6 pm
- Weekends and public holidays: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Note: The museum takes a break on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Ticket Pricing
Adult tickets are priced at €14, while discounted tickets come in at €11. Admission is free for those under 18 and for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
Fast-Track Tickets to the Picasso Museum
Tired of twiddling your thumbs in long queues? Captain Ulysse has got your back! He suggests snagging your tickets online beforehand (without any pesky extra fees): fast-track tickets to the Picasso Museum.
👉 Skip the lines in Paris: book your tickets and tours in advance!
👉 Looking for advice and recommendations? Here are all of Captain Ulysses’ suggestions!
🛏️ Accommodation: Looking for an accommodation in Paris? Good news: there are plenty of options in the French capital. To book your hotel in Paris, Captain Ulysses highly recommends Expedia. For more tips and recommendations, check out the Captain’s article: Where to stay in Paris?
🎟️ Activities : in order to book skip-the-line tickets, tours and activities in Paris, Captain Ulysses highly recommends GetYourGuide and Civitatis. Guided tours, entrance tickets, cruises, unusual activities: there’s plenty to chose from. If you want to avoid queuing to get into museums and monuments, the Captain suggests opting for skip-the-line tickets.
⛵ City cruises: Can you really visit Paris without going on a cruise on the Seine? The Captain loves sailing on the river and admiring the emblematic monuments of the French capital, especially at nightfall. You will find a large selection of cruises in Paris here.
🎫 City cards : If you’re planning on staying in Paris for a few days, you should definitely consider investing in a city card giving access to the capital’s top museums and landmarks. which includes access to the most famous monuments in Paris.
🚐 Transfers: the parisian airports are located outside the city and getting to the city centre can be quite expensive.
If your budget is tight, the Captain recommends the RATP shuttles that will drop you off at Opera if you’re coming from Roissy airport and at Denfert-Rochereau if you’re coming from Orly airport.
But for a few extra euros, you can book a transfer that will take you directly to your hotel.
If you are traveling in a group, this option is all the more interesting. Find out more here.
🚌 Transports: While you’ll be able to explore part of the city on foot, you will have to use the parisian public transports to explore some of the capital’s landmarks. In order to avoid accumulating (and losing) metro tickets, the Captain recommends opting for an unlimited transport pass. You can buy it directly at in any metro station.
Open tour buses (audioguides included) are also a good option.
If you’d rather explore Paris on a boat, you will love the batobus, a river shuttle on the Seine !
✈️ Flights, trains & buses : Good news: getting to Paris is quite easy! If you’re planning on flying to the capital, the Captain recommends Skyscanner, an online comparator which is perfect for finding the best deals. If your dates are fle
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