From unfinished cathedrals to underground absinthe caves, the artist’s 50th death anniversary is a reason to visit Europe’s artistic haunts.
Pablo Picasso was … far from perfect . Other than being a famous creative person , he was fairly known as a woman hater and a arduous drinker — but he was also someone who made an printing , particularly on his onetime stomping grounds in Spain and France . Whatever you think of his influence on the avant - garde apparent movement and introduce Cubism to the art scene , he certainly have it off how to have a beneficial clock time throughout Barcelona , Paris , and the French Riviera .
April 8 , 2023 mark the 50th anniversary of the celebrated artist ’s death , an event that ’s being acknowledged the world over via special expo , tour , and other protection explore the iconic sea captain ’s last legacy . And since the bulk of these celebrations find to take place in picturesque European hotspots , there ’s never been a good excuse to join a whirlwind tour of Picasso ’s favorite and most inspirational haunts .
On the docket ? inspect the very places where he lived and work , mollycoddle in local cuisine , and take in the cultural landscapes that influence the creative person ’s work . The dispatch kicks off in Picasso ’s hometown of Málaga before continuing on to Barcelona , where Catalan cuisine is just one ofthe lively metropolis ’s many temptation . Later , you ’ll take on thebeloved coastal towns of Côte d’Azurbefore setting your sights onundeniably charm Parisfor the ultimate grand finale . Here ’s everything you need to know to trace Picasso ’s steps and embark on a nostalgic , artistic , gilded - old age tripper of a lifetime this summertime .
Photo courtesy of The Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office
Málaga, Spain
Start your journey in Málaga , Picasso ’s cradle . Here you could explore the bustling Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Larios , and stop at theCasa Mira ice cream shopfor some break from the Spanish Dominicus . Do n’t miss La Manquita , the enamor unfinished Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga .
Take a selfie with a bronze statue of Picasso at Plaza de la Merced before bring down thePicasso Foundation and Birthplace Museum . Discover the Moorish magical spell of the Church of Santiago , where Picasso was christen , and make time for the historicAlcazaba of Málaga .
Commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Museo Picasso Málaga by exploring the creative person ’s sculpture inPicasso Sculptor . subject and torso . The compendium showcases works likeHead of a WarriorandWoman with Vase , play up the variety of elan and material that Picasso used , including plaster , bronze figures , cementum , and wood . depend out for Picasso ’s doppelganger , museum founder Bernard Ruiz - Picasso , who is also his grandson .
Photo courtesy of Malaga City Tourist Board
stray the street of old Málaga until you start crave some tapas and wine . Sample the impressive wine lean atLos Patios de Beatas , or stop byIllari Vinos y Tapasfor some croquetas and G&Ts . TheMatiz restaurantatHotel Molina Lariooffers a rotating tasting fare , which has previously include innovative element like electrocute corn dust and basil slush .
Barcelona, Spain
Next , we make it inBarcelona — young Picasso ’s stomping grounds . embark on at the famous tavern , Els Quatre Gats(a local stamping ground spot for bohemian creative person and musician ) where Picasso hold his first solo exhibition . This is where the creative person meet the likes of Carles Casagemas and Ramón Casas of the Modernisme movement . Gaudíwas also a even patron , but you ’ll need a consecrate tour to amply appreciate his work .
Wander through theGothic Quarter , and visit the Catedral de Barcelona for some old - world vibe . find the historical romish grave at Plaça Villa Madrid on the way to Las Ramblas , where people - look out never get erstwhile . Slow down and take in the medal trees and architecture at Plaça Reial before arriving atCarrer d’Avinyó , 44 . Picasso and his friends frequented the sporting house that was once on this street , an experience that would influence his chef-d’oeuvre , Les Demoiselles d’Avignon .
Enjoy some wine onThe Rooftop at Serras Hotelwhile admire the Mediterranean views captured by Picasso in his work . This was also the location of the artist ’s first studio in Barcelona , where he paintedCiencia y Caridad , orScience and Charity . Head to the Museu Picasso de Barcelona to see this famous piece of music and other early work that defined Picasso ’s time in this urban center . You ’ll find notebooks , memorabilia , and many of his paintings , including his depiction of the iconicBarcelona Rooftops .
Photo courtesy of Malaga City Tourist Board
After the museum , head back out toexperience the city ’s sunset magicand relax at a sidewalk restaurant , Vereda Bar . If you ’re feeling athirst , the sangria and cocktail atL’Alcoba Azulare cry your name . Then , like Picasso , say goodbye to Spain and take hold of your passport , to adopt the artist ’s step to France .
Antibes, France
It ’s no wonderment that Picasso fall in love life with the sunshine - kissed shores of Côte d’Azur and spent so much of his life here . start in the Old Town of Antibes , nestled between Nice andCannes , perambulation through the cobbled street and make your way to Port Vauban , where you could take in the views of Le Fort Carré in the length . Grab a Cappuccino atNOMADS coffeeor some refreshful bread atMarché provençal , where you could easily spend your morning chat with local vendors and fighting the urge to buy fragrant spices .
The notoriousBar à Absintheis right around the recess , settle inside a 9th - century bank vault . The cave - like ceilings are cover in vintage posters and memorabilia . Find the green fairyin the Absinthe savouring room before steer to the Château Grimaldi , where you’re able to see several of Picasso ’s pieces along with bird’s-eye views of theFrench Riviera .
Picasso gifted his body of work to the château — now know asMusée Picasso — saying , “ Anyone who need to see them will have to come to Antibes . ” His warmness for Antibes is obvious in his paintingLa Joie de Vivre — as is a primal female trope resemble his buff , Françoise Gilot . The museum also has photos by his lensman - friendMichel Sima , who beguile Picasso ’s meter at the Château , and do n’t miss the telling ingathering of sculptures on the patio .
Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images
Now it ’s time for an good afternoon pick - me - up at the scenicLilian Bonnefoi Pâtisserie , where tiffin is as dependable as the deep brown . If you ’re here in July , stay for theannual Jazz à Juan festival , and treat yourself to cocktails and a swimming at the iconicHotel du Cap - Eden - Roc in Cap d’Antibes .
Vallauris-Golfe Juan, France
Our next stop consonant is Vallauris , a quaint coastal settlement close to Antibes , where Picasso established his ceramics studio and take on his second and last wife , Jacqueline Roque . Meander through lovely streets and admire the colorful shops before checking out Picasso ’s sculptureL’Homme au MoutonorMan with a Sheep .
Another memorial in the small town square isle Monuments aux Morts , a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the warfare . Do n’t drop thePicasso National MuseumWar and Peace , the Museum of Ceramics , and the Magnelli Museum at the Vallauris Castle - Museum . Also , Picasso produced almost 4,000 clayware pieces in theMadoura workshop , many of which can be viewed at the exhibit , Shapes and Metamorphoses : Picasso ’s Ceramic Creation , through October 30 , 2023 .
Walk into the chapel service of the Renaissance castling to see Picasso ’s largest nontextual matter , War and Peace . As a member of the French communistic party , Picasso ’s reflexion on the post - war era include symbols of bloody swords and devil that passage to love - devising , outing , and the cleansing blue sea .
Photo by Manali Doshi
Your sentence in Vallauris is incomplete without visit theNérolium , where you’re able to find all things made from acid orange tree diagram prime . From orange vino and marmalade to fragrances and skincare intersection , there ’s a variety of strange token choice .
Mougins, France
Wake up in the pump of nature atLe Manoir de l’Etang , a 19th - century manor house in captivating Mougins . Indulge in breakfast with the current possessor , Camilla , who will narrate you all about the manor ’s history before you head up to the village to explore art , restaurant , and more . Check - in at the Mougins Tourist Office tokick off the guided Picasso tour .
Among the many outdoor sculptures in the village , you will be greet by anoversized Picasso headcreated by Gabriel Sterk . Stroll through the back street and check out the local galleries and street art . Step inside the notable Hôtel Vaste Horizon , where several creatives ( include Dora Marr , Man Ray , and Jean Cocteau ) would spend their summers . you’re able to see the precise room where Picasso stayed , with a lovely little balcony and walls cover in Marr and Ray ’s photographs that tell internal stories about the artist . VisitLe Lavoir ( Wash House)for a temporary exhibition of 30 photos from the André Villers ingathering , offering a peep into Picasso ’s life on the Côte d’Azur .
Arrive at MACM , Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins , for the impermanent exhibitPicasso Through Others ’ Eyes , useable through September 30 , 2023 . The show has four chapters — Picasso as the man , the cleaning lady ’s view , his company of friend , and his work — looking at the creative person through the eyes of photographers , muses , and lover . Discover Picasso ’s fascination with ancient mythology and the minotaur motive juxtaposed with antique artifact . MACM also has a rich permanent assemblage of works by New creative person like Chagall , Dali , Haring , and Warhol .
Photo by Mary Quincy courtesy of OTC Antibes Juan-les-Pins
To finish your Picasso tour in Mougins , labor to theChapelle Notre - Dame de Vie . take in a glance of the$24 million Villa Notre - Dame - de - Viethrough the surrounding hedges , nicknamed the “ Lair of the Minotaur . ” This was Picasso ’s last house with his wife , Jacqueline Roque . at last this is where they both died — Picasso in 1973 at 91 , and Roque tragically shot herself in 1986 . Inside the chapel service , you’re able to find image of Picasso conduct by his friend , Lucien Clergue . The chapel garden are also home to Beth Carter ’s minotaur sculpture , the perfect ode to Picasso and Mougins .
Treat yourself to cocktails on the patio atLa Réserve Mougins Luxury Retreatsand delight the sunset . Savor the realm ’s tone at your last meal on the French Riviera , and dine at the Michelin - approvedLa Place de Mouginsbefore you leave foryour last destination .
Paris, France
At last , we make it in Paris . TheCity of Lightsbecame Picasso ’s aesthetic home and stay a pop originative hub today . For incentive points , you could prepare by readingIn Montmartre : Picasso , Matisse and Modernism in Paris 1900 - 1910for a portal into the Parisian elbow room of cafes and cabarets back then . Speaking of portal , eat some fougasseas you spend the morning accept in Montmartre ’s hippy vibraharp . Or pamper yourself with a lavish lunch at the artsyMoulin de la Galettebefore manoeuver down to the Marais .
Get ready to be blown forth at the sensational Musée National Picasso - Paris . On view until August 27 , 2023 , the fiftieth death anniversary exposition , The Collection In a New Light , showcases the evolution of Picasso ’s house painting , sculptures , and survey through trendy patterns , textures , and popping of coloring material , graphics direct by Paul Smith .
Do n’t miss the Stripes elbow room , have portraits of women against brightly stripy bulwark , including Marie - Thérèse Walter , one of Picasso ’s lovers . modern-day artists like Obi Okigbo , Mickalene Thomas , and Chéri Samba also have piece of music in the expo , opening up new conversations about Picasso ’s workplace .
Photo by Mairie d’Antibes
Continue on to Montparnasse for more aspiration and some wine-colored , of course . Get seethe atLa Rotonde , a true institution frequent by creative person like Picasso and Modigliani . And have a easygoing dinner party atSacre Frenchy . Their Allium cepa soup is a must - try , even if it ’s blistering outside .
P. Eoche/Photodisc/Getty Images
Photo by Manali Doshi
Photo courtesy of Mougins Tourisme
Photo courtesy of Mougins Tourisme
Bruno De Hogues/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Photo by Voyez-Vous, Chloé Vollmer-Lo courtesy of Musée national Picasso-Paris
