Hi again, I'm wondering if people have found the Picasso Museum in Barcelona either terrific or disappointing? I really like Picasso's cubist work, but understand the museum mostly focuses on his earlier work. Should I make it a priority, with so many choices for limited time in BCN? Also, I see that the BCN tourism office offers a 2-hour, late afternoon walking tour of Picasso's youthful haunts, which then ends up with a tour insid the museum. Has anyone done this, and what did you think? Thanks so much!
Posted by
270 posts
We did this tour last summer. I thought it was well worthwhile. The museum itself was smaller than I had expected, but quite lovely. I was also expecting more of Picasso's work there. The walking tour was terrific. We stopped at the 4 Gats restaurant (not to go inside, but just to see the outside). Also there were other stops that were interesting. I recommend the walking tour especially because you don't have to wait in line to get into the museum after the walk. Be rested, though, because by the time you get to the museum, you might be a bit tired (we were).
Posted by
Port St Joe Florida
513 posts
I did this tour two years ago and found it very educational and enjoyable. The guide was very knowledgeable on Picasso's life and art. This tour provides a great leadin to the Picasso Museum. The guide took us around the Museum and gave us an overview, then the tour ended and we were free to remain at the Museum and explore on our own. I have done others of the tours offered by the Barcelona Tourist Office (Gothic Quarter, Modernisme, etc.) and consider them all to be excellent.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
Barcelona's was my favorite Picasso museum, compared to Antibes and Paris. I enjoyed his variations on both his own themes and other works, such as Velazquez' Las Meninas.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2199 posts
I loved this museum and I'm not a big Picasso fan. It visually filled in is background in a way I hadn't gotten from reading, by showing his artistic evolution. We planned our entry for the last part of the day and felt that things were quieter. The tour sounds terrific, if you can get it.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2381 posts
I haven't done the walking tour, but highly recommend the museum. I loved seeing his early work - so unexpectedly conventional and highly technical. I found I appreciated his better-known art more knowing that he had the talent to create true masterworks but chose specifically to turn it all upside down. The museum is essentially in chronological order and you can see the influence of his life on the works (he gets to Paris and BAM! he's off!). If you decide against the walking tour, consider getting an ArtTicketBCN (see here) which lets you skip the line or buy your tickets to the museum online (see their website).
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
2947 posts
For those 'nerdy' about Picasso... get Google Translate for this article: http://www.hoyesarte.com/evento/2016/02/museu-picasso-barcelona-ultimas-donaciones-adquisiciones/ It's a piece of news about the latest acquisitions and donations to the museum.
Posted by
54 posts
Could you be so kind to post a link to the walking tour of Picasso's youthful haunts, if one exists? Thank you.
Posted by
OP
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
cm, you can go to barcelonaturisme.com and it will be one of the tour selections. They offer a 10% savings when booked online. You can also just google "Picasso walking tour Barcelona". This is also offered through Viator and Expedia. I assume it is really the same exact tour, but their prices might be higher.
Posted by
54 posts
Found it and booked it. Thanks!
Posted by
37 posts
I think the Picasso museum in Barcelona is really worthwhile. While the Paris Picasso museum had a more extensive collection, I liked the Barcelona one the most because I learned more about his background there. I remember seeing one of his old schoolbooks with one of his doodles in the margins, and it was amazing to see his great talent even as a young child.