Picasso and Barcelona: Must-Visit Spots for Art Enthusiasts

Picasso's Legacy in Barcelona: A Brief History

Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, in the south of Spain, lived in Barcelona during his youth, and spent most of his life in Paris. Although many people consider him a French artist, Barcelona played a crucial role in his life.

Pablo Picasso came to Barcelona at 14 accompanying his father who started teaching at the Llotja School of Fine Arts. Later on the young artist joined a bohemian circle of modernist artists and writers. Picasso frequented Els Quatre Gats, the cafe supposed to be a meeting point for the artists. Picasso held his first private exhibition in this place, and this is where the young artist created his first custom work, a menu.

Picasso had his first studio in Barcelona. He was working in the heart of the Gothic District, his studio had a wonderful view to the medieval facades and roofs. Barcelona's bohemian spirit influenced the artist's work. Picasso absorbed the anarchist ideas that formed his spirit and political views during the long life that he lived. In Barcelona, Picasso lived through the Blue Period, a melancholic period that followed the death of his close friend and brought sombre tones, poverty, isolation, and suffering into painter's art.

In 1904, Pablo Picasso moved to Paris and lived in France until his death. At a certain point, the artist promised to return to Barcelona after the death of the dictator Francisco Franco, who established an absolute power regime in the country. But the general outlived the artist, making this comeback impossible. Nevertheless, the artist's ties with Barcelona remained strong. Picasso's legacy continues even after his death through the largest artist's museum in the world, the streets, cafes, and studios.

Picasso Museum exhibits

Picasso Museum houses around 4000 works, with around 200-300 being exposed to the public. One can easily see all of them. But in order to make the visit conscious, the visitor might want to check out the main highlights of the collection. These are the works that follow Picasso's artistic path and demonstrate his development.

You should not miss the following exhibits:

• "Science and Charity" and "First Communion" - the early works of Pablo Picasso, still belonging to the academic style.
• "The Defenceless" and "Woman with Bonnet" - making part of the Blue period.
• "Portrait of Señora Canals" illustrating the ending of the Blue and the start of the Rose period.
• "Las Meninas" - a classic work by Diego Velázquez, repainted by Pablo Picasso in the cubist style. This is a series of paintings, illustrating a respect and a deep understanding of the traditional art.
• "Harlequin" - depicted in a neoclassical style, that Picasso was adopting after his experiments with the cubism.
• "The Pigeons" - while created during the artist's life in the southern France, this series represents a bond with Barcelona, where his father used to raised birds.
• "Self-Portrait", depicted in 1901 and capturing the essence of the melancholic Blue period.

Top Picasso Attractions in Barcelona

As an important city in Picasso's life, Barcelona keeps many memories of the artist. If you want to make the most of your Picasso experience in Barcelona, visit a museum with the audioguide and then take a walking tour around the district. You will definitely get a better understanding of how the artist was formed.

• Make sure you visit Els Quatre Gats cafe, a place which played a crucial role in the artist's life. You can sneak a peek inside while walking through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter or stop for lunch and choose your food from the menu illustrated by the young Pablo Picasso.

• Explore the facade of Llotja de Mar, where Pablo Picasso studied art when he moved to Barcelona, following his father's career path.

• Take a look at the freeze on the main facade of the Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya (COAC), a painting created by Pablo Picasso while he was already living in France.

• Visit Dalmau art gallery, a place, where the young artist held his first personal exhibition.

• Choose one of the walking tours of Picasso's Barcelona. The experienced guide will lead you through the maze of narrow streets of the old city. Listen to the comments and follow in the footsteps of the young artist, imagining how these streets would have looked at his time.

Things to Do Near the Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum is located in the historic area called El Born and La Ribeira, so there are many things to do around the museum.

• Explore the Born neighbourhood with its medieval palaces, little galleries, and artisans's boutiques.
• Stop for a glass of cava at the emblematic bar El Xampanyet.
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, built with the money of the fishermen, and find a little figure of the boat at the altar.
• Taste local tapas at the Tapeo bar. Order Catalan Tomato Bread, Patates Braves, Bombas de Barceloneta, Pimientos de Padrón, Garlic Shrimps or a plate of jamon.
• Browse independent boutiques and designer stores for unique fashion and artisan jewellery.
• Don't miss Mercat de Santa Caterina, a market where you can buy local cheese or ham and taste homemade vermouth.
• End a day in the Parc de la Ciutadella, observing fountains, ponds and majestic buildings.

Picasso Museum exhibits

Picasso Museum houses around 4000 works, with around 200-300 being exposed to the public. One can easily see all of them. However, to make the visit conscious, the visitor should check out the main highlights of the collection. These works follow Picasso's artistic path and showcase his development.

You should not miss the following exhibits:

• "Science and Charity" and "First Communion" - Pablo Picasso's early works, the example of how the artist painted in the academic style.
• "The Defenceless" and "Woman with Bonnet", legacy corresponding to the Blue period.
• "Portrait of Señora Canals" a work that illustrates the transmission from the Blue to the Rose period.
• "Las Meninas" is a repainting of Diego Velázquez, representing his perception of classic art.
• "Harlequin", depicted in a neoclassical style that Picasso adopted after his experiments with cubism.
• "The Pigeons", a series of paintings created while the artist lived in the South of France. However, this series represents a bond with Barcelona, where his father used to raise birds.
• "Self-Portrait", depicted in 1901 and capturing the essence of the melancholic Blue period.

How to Get to the Picasso Museum Barcelona

Public transportation options

Picasso Museum is located in the historic area of the city. It is located at the short walking distance from the nearest stations.

• Take Metro to Jaume I Station (L4 - Yellow Line) or to Arc de Triomf Station (L1 - Red Line).
• Bus lines 120, 45, 39, 51, and H14 have stops at the walking distance from the museum.
• If you are taking a train, exit at the Estació de França or at Arc de Triomf.

Parking near Picasso Museum

You can not drive to the Picasso Museum directly, but the parkings are available at the short walking distance. Park at the:

• Underground Parking (SABA Bamsa)
• Parking Princesa
• Parking Francesc Cambó
• or Parking El Born Centre Cultural.