Picasso Museum (Musée National Picasso Paris)

The Basics

The Picasso Museum is housed in the Hôtel Salé, a grand, 16th-century mansion in Paris’ arty Marais district. The museum was founded in 1985, following a large donation of artworks made by Picasso’s relatives; it also contains Picasso’s personal archives, as well as a collection of works once owned by the artist. An extensive five-year renovation, completed in 2014, doubled the museum’s size, and has made it more accessible than ever.

Those wishing to visit the Picasso Museum have numerous options. Small-group tours provide an intimate way to explore the collection highlights and discover the stories behind the artworks; many also include convenient skip-the-line entry. The museum is also a key stop on Marais walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus itineraries.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Barring one specially preserved heritage room, the Picasso Museum is accessible to visitors with mobility issues.

• The museum's eatery, the Café sur le Toit, is located on its rooftop, and features an array of salads, baguette sandwiches, soups, and other gourmet fare.

• Free entry to the museum is offered on the first Sunday of each month.

• The museum also includes a collection of 50 furnishings designed by artist Diego Giacometti.

How to Get There

The Picasso Museum is easily reached by the Métro; take line 1 to Saint-Paul, or line 8 to Saint-Sébastien-Froissart or Chemin Vert. Numerous bus lines, including the 20, 29, 65, 69, 75, and 96 all stop in the vicinity. The museum can also be accessed on foot, by Vélib’, by car or by taxi.

When to Get There

Typically, the Picasso Museum is open from 10:30am–6pm on Tuesday–Friday, and 9:30am–6pm on Saturday–Sunday, though hours may vary for school holiday periods. The museum is closed on Mondays, December 25, January 1, and May 1. As the museum hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year, repeat visits are encouraged.

The Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou

Both the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou were under development at the same time, and the former was specifically designed as a contrast to the hyper-modern latter. Located just a quick stroll apart, the two are the ideal makings of an artistic day out on the Right Bank.

Ways to explore

Visitors to the Picasso Museum have multiple options for admission. It’s often included in city passes that cover over 90 top attractions, such as the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Panthéon. You can also book skip-the-line tickets and view the collection with audio commentary, allowing for a flexible, self-guided visit without the need to join a group. The museum is a highlight on Marais walking tours and retro sidecar experiences, with some packages including a Seine River cruise to admire the sights from a new perspective.

Accessibility

The Picasso Museum is wheelchair accessible, apart from the chapel area, and wheelchairs can be rented on-site.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, portable phone charger, contactless payment method

What to wear

Comfortable footwear, casual clothing

Not allowed

Flash photography, drawing with ink, large luggage

Amenities

Coat check, shop, café, audio guides

Address

The Picasso Museum is in the historic district of Le Marais in Paris. It’s easy to reach by Métro, and is a popular stop for visitors using public transit and those who opt for walking tours around this lively area.

Driving

Parking near the Picasso Museum is limited, and the area can be busy, so it’s better to use public transportation or a rideshare service.

Public transportation

To reach the museum, take Métro line 1 to Saint-Paul or line 8 to Saint-Sébastien-Froissart. Bus 96 is another option, stopping nearby at Saint-Claude.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the morning near opening time to avoid crowds and have a quieter experience exploring the museum’s collection.

Best days to visit

The museum is typically closed on Mondays, so aim for Tuesday–Thursday to avoid the big weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

April to October, when the museum’s garden is open to visitors, is an especially nice time to stop by, so you can spend time in the outdoor areas too.

Special events

The Picasso Museum hosts rotating exhibitions, late-night openings, and workshops year-round. Check the official calendar before your visit.