Last Updated on January 23, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: January 8, 2019
If you’re a fan of art, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is an essential stop for anyone who wants to understand this master of modern art. But with over 4,000 paintings in the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, and a focus on lesser-known works, it’s hard to know where to start. Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered with these tips for visiting the Picasso Museum!
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Who Is Pablo Picasso?
When you think of Spanish art, few figures are as prominent as Pablo Picasso. Born in Málaga, he spent much of his formative teenage years in Barcelona and held the Catalan capital close to his heart throughout his life. In fact, when the idea of a Picasso Museum was first proposed, it was the artist himself who suggested Barcelona as its location, donating many works from his own private collection.
If you want to visit more museums, don’t miss our favorite museums in Barcelona!
Prepare Yourself
- Queues at peak times can last for over an hour. We highly recommend buying tickets online in advance. That way, you can spend more time looking at the paintings in the Picasso Museum and less time waiting in line. (If you want to skip the lines for seeing other landmarks in Barcelona, check out these fascinating art and history tours in Barcelona!)
- If that’s not possible, try to come first thing in the morning or in the final hours before closing midweek.
- Though the museum is free on Thursday evenings and on the first Sunday of every month, bear in mind that many other bargain-hunters will have the same idea.
- Once you’re in, the museum is organized chronologically, making it easy to follow the development of Picasso’s genius.
Early Works (Rooms 1-7)
The early, pre-cubist paintings in the Picasso Museum in Barcelona are where the collection truly shines. His Self-Portrait and Science and Charity show Picasso’s astonishing mastery of more academic, realistic styles of painting at the age of just fifteen.
Years of experimentation followed, represented here by the abstraction of Riera de Sant Joan Street or the vibrant colors of Mas del Quiquet. But it was his first stay in Paris in 1900 that would put Picasso in contact with the European avant-garde. The Wait, showing a Parisian “lady of the night,” was among the works shown in his first major exhibition in the city, and still surprises with its loose brushstrokes and captivating gaze.
The Blue and Rose Periods (Rooms 8 and 9)
While the museum focuses on earlier works, it also contains paintings from his first major phases as an artist: the so-called “Blue” and “Rose” periods. The first of these, named after its melancholy use of color, was provoked in part by the suicide of Picasso’s close friend, the Catalan poet Carlos Casagemas, in 1901. Largely rejected by the art community in Paris at the time, these days these paintings are recognized as the start of the artist’s mature works. Motherhood shows his interest in the psychological burden of his sitters at this time.
Later, finding himself happily in a relationship with the model Fernande Olivier, his painting took on lighter notes and themes: the “Rose” period. The museum has just one work from this phase, but it’s a great one: the Portrait of Señora Canals. Showing the partner of the Catalan painter Ricard Canals, it sees Picasso bringing together all his many influences: the psychological interest of the Blue period, his fascination with the history of Spanish art, and the new lightness of tone of the Rose period. All in all, one of the finest paintings in the Picasso Museum in Barcelona.
Later Works
Those expecting to see Picasso’s African-inspired or cubist works might be in for a bit of a shock: the museum focuses on the lesser-known early and late paintings rather than “peak” Picasso.
That said, one of the gems of the collection is the Las Meninas series from 1957. Showing Picasso’s obsessive study and re-working of the masterpiece by Velazquez, it’s a great example of the modern artist’s engagement with the masters of the past. More than that, it’s a rare opportunity to see a complete series by Picasso in its entirety.
Want to See Spanish Architecture While You’re in Barcelona?
If you’re an art fan, don’t miss our Complete Gaudí Tour with Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the very first Gaudí house, Casa Vicens. One of our expert local guides will enthrall you with the history of these beautiful landmarks and the story of Spain’s best-known architect, Antoni Gaudí.
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– Cristy on Tripadvisor
Tips for Visiting the Picasso Museum FAQs
Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Picasso Museum?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Timed-entry tickets sell out quickly, and booking ahead guarantees your preferred date and time without long lines.
How long should I plan to spend at the Picasso Museum?
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the collection, but art enthusiasts may wish to linger longer. If you’re especially interested in Picasso’s early years or specific masterpieces, budget extra time to absorb the details.
Are photography and video allowed inside the Picasso Museum?
Photography for personal use is allowed in the Picasso Museum, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited. Always follow posted signs and staff directions, as some rooms may restrict photography to protect the artwork.
Is there an audio guide available at the Picasso Museum?
Yes, the museum offers audio guides and guided tours in multiple languages that provide deeper insights into Picasso’s works, artistic development, and the significance of key pieces in the collection. If you’re interested in a guided tour, you’ll need to sign up in advance and pay a small fee in addition to the museum’s admission.
Can I bring a bag or backpack into Picasso Museum?
The Picasso Museum states that any bag measuring over 30 x 30 cm, umbrellas, food or drink, or pets may not be taken into the exhibition rooms. However, the Picasso Museum offers a free locker service to store larger items; simply show your entry ticket or the booking confirmation.
