The History of the Museu Picasso

The history of the Museu Picasso in Barcelona is a story of friendship, rebellion, and an artist's unbreakable bond with a city. Opened on March 9, 1963, it was the first museum in the world dedicated exclusively to Pablo Picasso's work and, remarkably, the only one founded during his lifetime. Its creation was driven by the artist himself and his loyal friend and secretary, Jaume Sabartés.

A Friendship and a Promise

The idea for the museum originated with Jaume Sabartés, a Catalan writer and Picasso's confidant since they met in 1899. Over the decades, Picasso gifted Sabartés hundreds of his works. Sabartés decided to donate his entire collection to create a museum. His first thought was Málaga, Picasso’s birthplace, but the artist intervened. Picasso felt his formative years in Barcelona (1895-1904) had shaped him profoundly and insisted the museum be there.

Establishing a museum honouring Picasso in 1960s Spain was a bold move. Picasso was an outspoken critic of the Franco dictatorship, and the regime was hostile to his work. To circumvent political opposition, the museum opened under the discreet name Sabartés Collection. On July 27, 1960, Sabartés formally signed the agreement with the city of Barcelona, and the museum opened its doors three years later in the Gothic Palau Aguilar on Carrer de Montcada.

How the Collection Grew

The museum's initial collection was built on Sabartés's donation of 574 works. But this was just the beginning. The collection grew through several key donations:

  • 1968: After Sabartés's death, Picasso donated his 1901 Blue Period portrait of his friend and, most significantly, the entire Las Meninas series of 58 canvases in his memory.
  • 1970: Picasso made his largest donation, giving the museum a staggering 921 works from his childhood and youth that he had kept with his family. This transformative gift necessitated the museum's first major expansion.
  • 1982: Picasso's widow, Jacqueline Roque, donated 41 unique ceramic pieces.
  • Further Donations: Over the years, gifts from collectors, friends, and other artists have continued to enrich the collection, which now numbers over 4,200 pieces.

Expanding Through Five Palaces

The museum's physical footprint grew alongside its collection. What began in the 13th-century Palau Aguilar gradually expanded to incorporate four adjacent medieval palaces on the historic Carrer de Montcada.

  1. Palau Aguilar (Carrer de Montcada, 15): The original home of the museum, a 13th-century palace restored in the 15th century.
  2. Palau Baró de Castellet (Carrer de Montcada, 17): A medieval palace annexed in December 1970 to accommodate Picasso's major donation.
  3. Palau Meca (Carrer de Montcada, 19): Added in 1985, this palace from the 13th-14th centuries allowed for further expansion.
  4. Casa Mauri (Carrer de Montcada, 21): Acquired in 1999, this building has an 18th-century wooden facade.
  5. Palau Finestres (Carrer de Montcada, 23): Also annexed in 1999, this palace now often hosts temporary exhibitions.

Today, these five interconnected buildings create a unique journey through both medieval Catalan architecture and the evolution of the 20th century's greatest artist. The museum stands as a permanent symbol of Picasso's enduring legacy in the city that launched his career. To see this history for yourself, you can book guided tours for an in-depth experience.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Museu Picasso in Barcelona open?

The Museu Picasso opened to the public on March 9, 1963. It was the first museum dedicated solely to Picasso and the only one created while he was alive.

Who founded the Picasso Museum?

The museum was founded based on an idea by Picasso's close friend and secretary, Jaume Sabartés, who donated his personal collection. Picasso himself was instrumental, choosing Barcelona as the location and later making substantial donations.

Why is the Picasso Museum in Barcelona?

Although his friend Jaume Sabartés initially suggested Picasso's birthplace of Málaga, Picasso insisted the museum be in Barcelona. He felt a deep connection to the city where he spent his formative artistic years from 1895 to 1904.

How did the museum get its collection?

The collection began with a donation of 574 works from Jaume Sabartés. It grew significantly with major donations from Picasso himself (including the Las Meninas series and over 900 early works), his widow Jacqueline Roque, and many other collectors and friends over the years.

Walk through history and witness the evolution of a master. Plan your visit and book tickets to experience the legacy of Picasso in Barcelona.