History of the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum Barcelona has a rich history intertwined with the life and work of the legendary artist Pablo Picasso. Founded in 1963 by Jaume Sabartes, Pablo Picasso’s close friend and personal secretary, is a testament to the artist’s enduring legacy. Despite being born in Málaga, Picasso held a profound connection to Barcelona, making it the ideal home for his museum.
The Picasso museum’s collection began with donations from Picasso’s personal secretary, Jaime Sabartés, who gifted a significant number of artworks to the city. Donations from friends, collectors, and Pablo Picasso’s own contributions followed. Prior to his death in 1968, Sabartes left 58 pieces from the Las Meninas series; shortly after, Picasso gave 920 pieces of art.
Throughout the 1980s, the museum’s collection flourished with additional donations and acquisitions, including notable pieces like “Portrait of Jacqueline with Tape.” The museum’s growth led to a 1999 expansion, adding 3,400 square meters for temporary exhibitions. In 2003, renovations revitalized the space, and in 2005, it earned recognition as a museum of national interest by the Catalan government. The Picasso museum location in the heart of the city adds to its allure, providing visitors with an immersive experience into the life and art of Pablo Picasso, capturing his evolution and profound impact on the art world.