Discover the Picasso Museum Barcelona with a travel guide

Pablo Picasso was a groundbreaking Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, and ceramist of the 20th century, regarded as one of the most influential artists of modernism. Here is a brief summary of his impressive career:

Early Years: Picasso was born on October 25, 1881, in Málaga, Spain. From a young age, he displayed exceptional artistic abilities and was encouraged by his father, who was an art teacher.

Blue Period: In the early 1900s, Picasso developed his distinctive artistic style known as the "Blue Period." During this time, he created works characterized by poverty, misery, and melancholy.

Rose Period: Following the Blue Period, Picasso entered his "Rose Period," during which his color palette became brighter, and he focused on circus and acrobat themes.

Cubism: In the 1910s, Picasso played a significant role in the development of Cubism, a revolutionary art movement that fragmented objects and figures into geometric forms. This had a profound impact on modern art.

Versatility: Picasso was highly versatile and worked in various styles, including Surrealism, Neoclassicism, and abstract art. His body of work encompassed paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, and more.

Guernica: One of his most famous works is "Guernica" (1937), a monumental painting depicting the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. It is considered one of the most significant political artworks of the 20th century.

Later Years: Picasso remained active until his death on April 8, 1973, producing a wealth of works in his later years. His art constantly evolved, and he remained innovative until the end. Picasso's artistic legacy and influence on modern art are internationally recognized and celebrated at the Picasso Museum Barcelona, also known as Museu Picasso.

The Picasso Museum Barcelona houses an impressive collection of the artist's works, allowing visitors to experience the various phases and styles of his career. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other works that provide a comprehensive overview of Picasso's creative output. 

The Museu Picasso is located in the charming El Born neighborhood of Barcelona and is housed in a group of five interconnected medieval palaces. These historic palaces not only provide a fascinating backdrop for Picasso's artistic creations but also contribute to the significance of the museum.

The art collection of the museum encompasses a wide range of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints that represent various periods and styles in Picasso's artistic development.In particular, the collection of the Picasso Museum Barcelona includes works from Picasso's early years, reflecting his youth and education in Barcelona. Here, you can find some of his earliest paintings and sculptures that provide insights into his artistic evolution.

Notable artworks in the collection of the Picasso Museum Barcelona include paintings such as "Science and Charity" (1897), "The First Communion" (1896), and "Las Meninas" (1957), a series of variations on the famous painting by Diego Velázquez. Furthermore, many other significant works from different phases of the artist's career are represented in the collection.

The artworks in this museum span from Picasso's early youth to his later years, making it an excellent resource for exploring his artistic development. Visitors can trace the various styles and techniques that Picasso developed throughout his career, from his early realistic works to the revolutionary experiments of Cubism and other modern movements. Overall, the Picasso Museum Barcelona is a crucial place to experience and appreciate Picasso's artistic legacy, attracting art enthusiasts and tourists from around the world every year.

The idea for the Picasso Museum in Barcelona was proposed by Picasso's close friend and secretary, Jaume Sabartés. Sabartés had a profound appreciation for Picasso's work and envisioned a museum in Barcelona that would celebrate the artist's extraordinary talent and legacy. 

The museum was officially inaugurated on March 9, 1963, marking a significant milestone in the art world. It held the distinction of being the very first museum exclusively dedicated to the work of Pablo Picasso. This momentous occasion not only honored Picasso's status as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century but also showcased Barcelona's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.

One noteworthy aspect of the museum's history is Picasso's personal involvement in its collection. The artist generously contributed numerous pieces to the museum, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and drawings. These donations from Picasso himself added a unique and intimate dimension to the museum's collection, allowing visitors to gain insights into his artistic evolution and creative process.

Over the years, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona has continued to expand its collection, acquiring a diverse range of artworks from various periods of Picasso's career. Today, it stands as a cherished institution that not only showcases the works of a master but also serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between Picasso and Jaume Sabartés, as well as the city's dedication to preserving its artistic heritage.

The Born Neighborhood in Barcelona, is a historic and vibrant district with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. El Born is situated in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, just east of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). The neighborhood is known for its medieval streets and buildings, making it a charming area to explore. It was once the site of jousting tournaments and other festivities during the Middle Ages. El Born is a cultural hub with numerous art galleries, museums, and cultural centers. One of its most famous attractions is the Picasso Museum. The neighborhood is also known for its lively food scene, with many restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes offering a wide range of culinary experiences. 

The Arc de Triomf is a monumental arch located at the northern end of the Passeig de Lluís Companys, not far from the Born Neighborhood. The monument was built as the main entrance gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair (Exposició Universal) and is an excellent example of neoclassical architecture. It features a distinctive red brick facade with intricate details. Unlike some other "Arc de Triomphe" monuments found in various cities, Barcelona's Arc de Triomf was not constructed to commemorate military victories but was instead designed to be a welcoming symbol for the World Fair, celebrating the arts and sciences. 

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, also known simply as Santa Maria del Mar, is located in the El Born district of Barcelona, not far from the Arc de Triomf. This Gothic-style basilica is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Barcelona. It is known for its impressive architectural features, including its lofty interior with tall, slender columns and rib-vaulted ceilings.

Santa Maria del Mar was built between 1329 and 1383 and is a remarkable example of Catalan Gothic architecture. It was constructed as a symbol of the maritime and mercantile prosperity of Barcelona during that period. The basilica has also been featured in literature, most notably in the historical novel "The Cathedral of the Sea" by Ildefonso Falcones. 

This guided tour offers you a fascinating journey through the heart of Barcelona, starting with a meeting at the Barcelona Estació del Nord office. You'll embark on a one-hour guided walking tour led by an experienced guide to explore some of the city's iconic sights.

The tour includes visits to landmarks such as the Arc de Triomf and Lluís Companys Avenue to understand the historical and cultural significance of the area. The tour then takes you to the Born district, one of Barcelona's oldest neighborhoods. Here you will have the opportunity to admire the exterior of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, which has witnessed significant historical moments in the city's history.

The final highlight of the tour is the Picasso Museum, a unique institution founded during the artist's lifetime. The museum offers insights into the artist's development and creative process. After the guided tour is over, you have the freedom to explore the Picasso Museum at your own pace, giving you ample time to appreciate the art and immerse yourself in the world of this iconic Spanish painter.

This guideds Tour is included in your Barcelona City Pass.

Picasso Walking Tour starts every day am 4 pm. 

To confirm your reservation and ensure a smooth process, please follow the steps below: 

Reservation by e-mail or telephone:Send us an e-mail to incoming@julia.net or call us on 0034 933176454. Please make your reservation at least 48 hours before the desired tour date.

Cancellation:If you need to cancel your reservation, please inform us up to 24 hours before the start of the tour so that we can adjust your booking.

Details per City Pass holder:In your email, you should include the details for each City Pass holder, including the name and QR code. This helps us to manage your booking correctly.

QR code with the Turbopass app: At the meeting point, the QR code for the City Pass will be scanned with the Turbopass app. Please make sure that you have installed the app and have the QR code to hand.

When visiting the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, you may encounter queues, especially during the peak tourist season. An efficient way to bypass these waiting times is by using the Barcelona City Pass.With the Barcelona City Pass, admission to the Picasso Museum Barcelona is already included, and you can skip the line.

The Barcelona City Pass offers you the advantage of not only gaining entry to the Picasso Museum but also access to other top attractions in Barcelona and the use of public transportation in the city. This allows you to make the most of your time in Barcelona without spending precious hours waiting in line. To bypass the queue at the Picasso Museum, all you need to do is present your Barcelona City Pass, and you can enter the collection directly to enjoy Picasso's impressive artworks. This not only makes your visit more convenient but also enables you to explore more of the city.

MEETING POINT
Julia Travel office, Estació del Nord, ground floor, platform 19. Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80

From Barcelona´s City Center it a 15-20 minutes walk to arrive to the Meeting Point. 
Here are some options with the public transport from Plaza Catalunya:

Metro: Pl Catalunya L1 (Direction Fondo) to Arc de Triomf (Red Linie)

Bus: Pl Catalunya - Portal de l'Àngel Bus H16 (Direction Fòrum Campus Besòs) to Pg Lluís Companys - Arc de Triomf

Train: Plaça de Catalunya R1 (Direction Maçanet-Massanes) to Barcelone-Arc de Triomf