Barcelona Picasso Museum, the home of cubism
Art is one of Barcelona’s undisputable claims to fame. The city offers visitors some of the best museums and plenty of great art galleries and cultural attractions. Barcelona’s importance as a cultural hub makes it one of Europe’s top travel destinations. Proof can be found in the world’s most extensive museum on the early years of one of Spain’s most celebrated painters, Pablo Picasso, where visitors will find the most comprehensive collection of the artists early works at the Picasso Museum.
Barcelona Picasso Museum, in the Born neighborhood of Barcelona
The Picasso Museum can be found in the cultural melting pot that is the El Born neighbourhood – where else! – on Calle Montcada. El Born is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and relaxed neighbourhoods in the whole of Barcelona, where you can practically taste the artistic expression wherever you go. A total of five palaces (Palacio Aguilar, Palacio del Barón de Castellet, Palacio Meca, Casa Mauri and Palacio Finestres) house some of Picasso’s greatest works across 10,628m2 of exhibition space, all donated by his secretary, his wife, important figures of the time, as well as Picasso himself.
Interestingly, Barcelona wasn’t Picasso’s first choice for this collection. The artist originally thought his hometown of Malaga would be better suited when he donated part of his collection. But the city’s leaders turned down their most famous son’s offer in 1953. Seven years later, Picasso’s secretary and close friend, Jaime Sabartés, suggested to Barcelona City Council that they might like to establish a museum dedicated to him, and the agreement was signed later that same year.
The connection of Pablo Picasso with Barcelona
Picasso’s relationship with Barcelona dates back to 1899 when the artist first came into contact with the Catalan avant-garde movement at Els Quatre Gats, where he became friends with some of the most prominent figures of the time.
The museum was opened in 1963 showcasing Sabartés’ pieces, alongside a donation from Salvador Dalí. Following the death of Picasso’s secretary, the painter and sculptor handed over 50 further paintings and promised to give them a copy of each of his new engravings.
The museum has undergone some major renovation works in recent years to make it a centre of excellence. In 2005, the Cataluña authorities recognised the museum’s efforts by giving it special cultural status and, in 2009, it was ranked among the top 40 most visited art museums in the world. The Picasso Museum is just another excuse to visit Barcelona and a must‑see for fans of one of the world’s greatest painters and sculptors.
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