Think you know Picasso? The Musée Picasso Paris might just surprise you.
Step inside a 17th-century mansion in the heart of Le Marais, Paris, and explore the world’s largest public collection of the works by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century: Pablo Picasso.
While other museums dedicate a few rooms to Picasso, the Musée Picasso Paris is entirely devoted to tracing his artistic evolution throughout his prolific career. From early sketches and experimental Cubist paintings to personal archives, prints, and sculptures, this museum offers an intimate look into the life and legacy of a true modern art icon.
Whether you're an admirer or curious to see what the hype’s all about, the Musée Picasso Paris is a spot well worth on your itinerary.
Ready to explore? Here’s your complete guide to everything inside.
About the Musée Picasso Paris
The Musée Picasso Paris isn’t your typical art museum exhibiting works of different artists, eras, and styles–it’s dedicated to just one artist. You’re not jumping era to era or style to style; everything you’ll find here, among more than 5,000 works and tens of thousands of archived pieces, is part of Pablo Picasso’s personal and artistic journey.
The space itself is part of the experience. Opened in 1985, the museum is located in one of the most charming examples of Baroque architecture in the French capital. Housed in Hôtel Salé, its elegant staircase and ornate ceilings contrast the artist’s bold and experimental works that pushed the artistic movement from traditional art to modernism. As you enter each room, you’ll see up close how his pieces evolved over the decades and how his influence redefined art as we know it today.
Photo Credit: Arthur Crbz on Wikimedia Commons
Beyond its extraordinary collection, the Musée Picasso Paris stands out for how it brings visitors closer not just to the art, but to the artist himself. After spending his formative years in Spain, Pablo Picasso moved to Paris, where he would spend the majority of his working life–living, creating, and experimenting in the very city where this museum now stands.
Photograph of Spanish Painter, Pablo Picasso
Getting to the Museum
The Musée Picasso Paris is located in the Hôtel Salé at 5 Rue de Thorigny, in the heart of the Marais district, Paris.
Lucky for us, it’s in one of the most walkable and chic neighborhoods in the city. Whether you’re exploring within the area or coming across town, getting to the museum is easy using either Paris' metro, bus, or on foot.
By metro, take:
- Line 1 to Saint-Paul (approx. 10-minute walk)
- Line 8 to Saint-Sébastien – Froissart or Chemin Vert (5–6 minutes away on foot)
Prefer to ride the bus? Here are the closest stops:
- Bus 29: Rue Vieille du Temple
- Bus 96: Saint-Claude
- Bus 75: Archives Rambuteau
- Bus 69, 76, 96: Rue Vieille du Temple – Mairie du 4e
- Bus 67, 72: Rue Vieille du Temple – Mairie du 4e
Already in Le Marais? Follow the cobbled lanes to Rue de Thorigny and you’ll spot the museum’s elegant mansion right away.
Visiting the Musée Picasso Paris
Picasso et la bande dessinée” by Tobias Pils
Opening Hours
The Musée Picasso Paris is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, with last admission at 5:15 PM and galleries cleared 20 minutes before closing. The museum is closed every Monday, as well as on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Photo Credit: Arthur Crbz on Wikimedia Commons
When to Visit
If you’re in the city on the first Sunday of the month, you might want to take advantage of free admission–just be sure to expect larger crowds.
You can also try visiting during the museum’s nocturne evening hours, held on the first Wednesday of each month. The museum stays open until 10:00 PM, with last entry at 9:15 PM.
Ticket Admission
To guarantee priority access and avoid long queues at the museum ticket office, it’s best to book your Picasso Museum Admission Ticket in Paris in advance.
If you're planning to visit several museums in Paris, you might want to consider getting the Paris Museum Pass. It includes access to over 50 museums–including the Musée Picasso.
Note: For security reasons, luggage and backpacks are not allowed in the museum. Pack light and limit your belongings to a small bag.
What You’ll See Inside
As you enter, you’ll find the permanent collection spans across five floors, each showcasing a different chapter of the Spaniard’s life.
Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra on Flickr
You’ll come across early pieces from his Blue and Rose periods, his pioneering innovations in Cubism, and his experimental works across art forms beyond canvas and paper, such as sculptures and ceramic pieces.
Wire Sculptures by Pablo Picasso
Along the way, you’ll encounter thousands of archival materials such as handwritten letters, photographs, and notebooks. The museum also rotates themed exhibitions throughout the year, often tackling Picasso’s muses, contemporaries, or even new interpretations of his legacy.
Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra on Flickr
Photo Credit: Rob Oo on Flickr
These exhibitions are carefully curated and well-labeled with English translations, so you can enjoy the museum even without a guide. But audio guides are also available if you want to learn more about the context behind each piece.
How Much Time You’ll Need
The Musée Picasso Paris is Pablo Picasso’s largest public art collection, holding thousands of vibrant artworks and archival pieces.
To make the most of your visit, you’ll want to set aside at least 1 - 2 hours to truly immerse yourself in the world of Picasso. This will give you plenty of time to explore the permanent collection, any temporary exhibitions, experience each exhibit, and admire the Hôtel Salé’s beautiful interior without having to rush.
Klook Tip: Don’t forget to explore the courtyard and museum shop before you leave–for a nice quiet moment or to secure a unique souvenir for a loved one.
FAQs
Is the Picasso Museum worth visiting?
Absolutely! While the museum is relatively smaller compared to other major attractions and museums in Paris, it offers an extensive, beautifully curated collection in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city–perfect if you want that chic Parisian experience.
Plus, if you’re a fan of Picasso, it’s a must-visit. But even if you’re a casual art enjoyer or not too familiar with his work, this museum is most definitely worth a shot. It’s personal, compact, digestible, and easy to explore in under two hours.
How long do you need for the Picasso Museum in Paris?
It really depends on your pace, level of interest, and how much time you’re willing to budget on your trip. To properly enjoy the museum, you’ll want to spend at least an hour or two so that you have enough time to explore the permanent collection across the multiple floors and any other installation or sights you want to see.
If you're someone who likes to take your time reading gallery descriptions, using audio guides, or simply admiring art, you might want to budget closer to two and a half hours. There's also a courtyard and museum shop worth checking out before you leave.
The museum isn’t as massive compared to something of the likes such as the Louvre, but you are guaranteed a rich and focused visual and learning experience about one of the greatest painters of all time.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking your admission tickets in advance to secure a guaranteed and preferred slot. Due to the museum’s size and limited daily capacity, it is possible for slots and dates to sell out–especially during peak travel periods.
If you’re on budgeted time, the last thing you’ll want is to miss your chance or lose time waiting in line. It’s not strictly required as you can purchase tickets on-site, but booking online gives you priority access and lets you skip long queues.
