The Picasso Museum is one of the vital and significant art collections of Picasso in the whole world. Despite that fact, some visitors leave the museum disappointed, because the most famous works are not housed here, and cubism is quite underrepresented among those paintings that are. The museum, however, is vast and interesting – more than 4000 works perfectly illustrate the development of Picasso's unique style, from the first drawings while he was a boy to mature and confident paintings years later.
The Picasso Museum (Museo Picasso in Catalan) opened its doors in 1963. At the beginning most of the collection was put together thanks to the donations of the close friend of Pablo Picasso, Jaime Sabartes. After his death in 1968 Picasso himself became the main contributor of the museum. Among his donations were the famous series of paintings interpreting the masterpiece “Las Meninas”by Diego Velázquez, countless watercolours, prints, sketches, and drawings. The museum sorts its exhibits chronologically which serves visitors well.
The early periods of Picasso's work are by far the most represented: you can see the artist's full signature – Pablo Ruiz Picasso – on his early drawings that attempt to copy the landscapes sold by his father. The art school period is all about Barcelona through the lens of young Picasso's mind – its Old Town, its Gothic cathedrals, the Barceloneta beach. By observing all art on display at the museum it is easy to see the pattern of development of the artistic mind and style. The famous Blue Period and Pink Period are represented in the museum, but there is barely a nod to Cubism, as only a couple of paintings can be found in the style. Picasso also loved ceramics: colourful mugs and plates were donated to the museum by Picasso's wife Jacqueline.
When you come to the Picasso Museum for a visit, it may seem that every other tourist in Barcelona wants to do the same thing at this exact hour. The museum, however, is well worth the effort and the long queues. The museum encompasses five (!) palaces rebuilt and renovated for this specific purpose, and it demands at least a couple of hours of your attention. The museum is open every day, excluding Mondays, from 10 am to 8 pm, and the best way to beat the crowds is to arrive early. First Sunday of every month the entrance is free which naturally lengthens the line significantly. Every Thursday at 6 pm and every Saturday at noon there are free tours of the museum conducted in English, but it is recommended that you reserve your spot well in advance.
