Musée National Picasso-Paris

The Musée National Picasso-Paris is home to the world’s largest public collection of Pablo Picasso’s work, housed within a magnificent 17th-century mansion, the Hôtel Salé. This guide will help you plan your visit to this essential Parisian cultural institution.

Location and The Building

The museum is located in the Marais district, a historic and charming neighborhood in Paris. The building itself, the Hôtel Salé, is a key part of the experience. Its elegant Baroque architecture, stunning central staircase, and ornate ceilings provide a striking contrast to Picasso’s modern and experimental works.

• Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France

Getting There

The museum is easily accessible by public transport.

• By Metro:
  • Line 1: Saint-Paul (approximately a 10-minute walk)
  • Line 8: Saint-Sébastien – Froissart or Chemin Vert (5–6 minutes on foot)
• By Bus:
  • Lines 29, 67, 69, 72, 75, 76, 96 all have stops nearby.

Hours and Admission

• Opening Hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The last admission is at 5:15 PM, and the rooms are cleared 20 minutes before closing.
• Late Opening: On the first Wednesday of each month, the museum has a late opening until 10:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:15 PM.
• Closed: The museum is closed on Mondays, as well as on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
• Free Admission: The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, though you should expect larger crowds.

Tickets and Booking

• Ticket Price: A standard adult ticket is around €16. A reduced rate may be available.
• Free Entry:
  • Visitors under 18 years old.
  • Residents of the European Union under 26 years old.
  • Disabled people and their companions.
• Booking: It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance online to guarantee a time slot and avoid long queues, especially during peak season. An online ticket provides priority access. The Paris Museum Pass also includes access to the Musée Picasso.

What to See

The collection is largely a result of the “dation” process, where Picasso’s heirs paid inheritance taxes in the form of his artwork, making the museum’s collection exceptionally comprehensive. You’ll find over 5,000 works and tens of thousands of archival items, showcasing the full range of Picasso’s artistic periods and mediums.

• Chronological Journey: The museum’s layout typically follows a chronological route, allowing you to trace the evolution of Picasso’s style from his early works as a teenager to his final years.
• Famous Works: Look out for masterpieces such as Self-Portrait (1901), Portrait of Dora Maar (1937), Portrait of Olga in an Armchair (1918), The Kiss (1969), and the Cubist sculpture Head of a Woman (Fernande) (1909).
• Beyond Paintings: The collection extends far beyond his paintings to include sculptures, ceramics, drawings, engravings, and illustrated books. You’ll also see works from Picasso’s personal collection of art by other masters, including Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Matisse.
• The Hôtel Salé: Don’t forget to admire the building itself, including the grand staircase and the elegant interiors. The museum also owns an exceptional collection of furniture by Diego Giacometti, Alberto’s brother, created specifically for the Hôtel Salé.

Tips for Your Visit

• How Much Time to Allot: Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the permanent collection and any temporary exhibitions. If you like to take your time, budget for up to 2.5 hours.
• Audio Guide: An audio guide is available for an additional fee at the museum, with a special version for children.
• Museum Amenities: The museum has a cloakroom where you can leave backpacks, umbrellas, and bottles (note that bulky luggage and suitcases are not allowed). There is also a shop and a rooftop café with views of the Marais.
• Sketching: Sketching is permitted in the museum with certain restrictions (no ink or charcoal).
• Nearby Attractions: The museum is situated in the heart of the Marais, a fantastic neighborhood to explore. After your visit, you can wander through the charming streets, visit the nearby Place des Vosges, or check out the Centre Pompidou, which is a short walk away.