Picasso Museum — Attraction in Barcelona

Would give 0 stars if possible.

Unbelievably rude staffs.

When I tried to find the place to collect audio guides, I accidentally entered the ticket office from the wrong side. The staff sitting at the end of the desk took a glance at me, turned their head away and swayed me off with their hand without a word. A proper reaction the staff should have shown was to inform me that I should not enter the office from that side. I felt humiliated by the staff’s attitude. It is utterly unprofessional to act this way to a customer, as if they are shooing off a fly.

Even after such unpleasant encounter, I had to be insulted once more in the cloakroom. I asked if my bag needs to be kept in the cloakroom, and whether the size matters. The staff, while responding to me, in the middle of their sentence, sighed and rolled their eyes. I was speechless. It was not a situation where I was non-adherent to their instructions nor having trouble with the language. I lived and worked in the UK for several years, which means that I do not have any difficulties having conversations in English. We were speaking in English, and it was the staff who failed to communicate back to me in English. I could not believe how the staff was acting in a way as if I were the one causing trouble with communication. Given that my ethnicity is Asian, I could not help but think that the staff was being racist. Or else, why in the world would they act like that? If this is the attitude they are showing to a tourist speaking fluent English, I cannot imagine how rude they will be to those who do not speak English fluently.

I left the cloakroom for few minutes and came back with my family to use the cloakroom. Then, the female staff (not sure if they were the same person), dared to be ridiculously unprofessional and rude again - the same sighs between sentences and eye rolls.

Given that Barcelona is famous for its tourism and that the Picasso museum is visited by hundreds of foreign tourists daily, the unprofessional and aggressive manner shown by the staffs is just unbelievable and unacceptable.

I could not focus on the exhibition at all after this experience due to rage and disappointment. I honestly do not remember a single piece of art from today.

Please, put more effort into staff education and customer service. What an absolute flaw for such a...

We visited the Picasso Museum in Barcelona hoping to dive deeper into the life, influences, and artistic journey of this endlessly creative artist. Having previously visited the Picasso museums in Paris (the largest collection worldwide) and Málaga (his birthplace), we were excited to explore Barcelona’s museum - the very first dedicated to Picasso and the only one opened during his lifetime.

The location is great: nestled in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, with its maze of medieval streets and charming atmosphere. The museum itself is a beautiful blend of history and modernity, recently renovated but still housed in stunning medieval buildings, complete with magnificent staircases, stone walls, and ornate facades. Honestly, the architecture alone is worth the visit...

The collection is well-organized and thoughtfully curated. We loved discovering some of Picasso’s very early works, including a breathtaking First Communion painting - incredibly impressive considering he painted it at just 15. The transition through his different periods is clearly displayed, from his first portraits to the Blue Period and the early explorations of Cubism. The collection is not overwhelmingly large, which in my opinion is a plus (you can comfortably see everything in about two hours without feeling rushed).

Personally, I found the Velázquez-inspired “Las Meninas” variations absolutely fascinating, especially the large-format piece - a true highlight of the visit. I also appreciated the series of works inspired by his time in Paris, a recurring theme that shows the lasting influence of Cubism on his style.

We were also lucky to catch a temporary exhibition dedicated to Francoise Gilot (French painter, long term partner of Picasso, and mother of Claude and Paloma Picasso) with some of her own art on display (drawings, watercolors and a few ceramics), as well as pieces connected to Claude Picasso and the family, a touching and insightful addition to the experience.

Overall, this museum is well worth visiting, whether for its architecture, its intimate but rich collection, or the chance to gain a clearer understanding of Picasso’s early work and evolving artistic phases. A must if you want to appreciate not just the art, but also the context and influences that shaped this...

The museum is well worth a visit. Dedicated to the works of Pablo Picasso, it houses over 4,200 pieces, offering an incredible insight into his artistic journey. Located in five beautifully preserved medieval palaces in the La Ribera neighborhood, the museum first opened its doors on March 9, 1963, making it the first museum dedicated to Picasso during his lifetime.

The museum does an excellent job of highlighting Picasso's strong connection with Barcelona, a city that played a pivotal role in his youth and artistic development. The collection began with a donation of 574 works from Picasso's close friend, Jaume Sabartés, who originally planned to establish the museum in Málaga, Picasso's birthplace. However, the deep ties Picasso had with Barcelona made it the natural choice for this cultural landmark.

Over the years, the museum's collection has grown significantly through various donations, including a major addition in 1970 when Picasso himself donated 920 works after the death of Sabartés. The museum has continued to expand, with significant renovations and expansions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, adding more space for exhibitions and improving the visitor experience.

The museum not only showcases Picasso's work but also tells the story of his deep connection to the city of Barcelona. The blend of historical architecture with the extensive art collection makes this museum a true cultural gem. Whether you're a Picasso fan or simply appreciate art, the museum is an essential stop...