Trace the footsteps of Picasso in Barcelona

Perhaps more so than any other artist, Pablo Picasso's work has captured the hearts and minds of successive generations worldwide. Bold, riveting, surprising, and at times tragic, his art speaks of the fear, violence and chaos of a war-torn 20th century, as well as the passion, beauty and life force of the physical world, while his pioneering cubist style, as well as his use of surrealism and symbolism, have influenced generations.

As the world marks the 50th anniversary of his death, Barcelona, the city where Picasso spent his formative years, offers a packed calendar of exhibitions in 2023, along with fascinating sights to explore.

The artist arrived in Barcelona as a teenager in 1895. His nine years here were vital to his artistic development, and a trip to this stunning Catalan city offers a unique opportunity to explore the man behind the art.

Celebrate Picasso’s life at his museum

Start your exploration of Picasso's life in Barcelona with a visit to the Picasso Museum, housed in Palau Aguilar on Calle Montcada. Opened in 1963 during the Franco dictatorship, the museum fulfilled Picasso's wish to have Barcelona hold a piece of his artistic journey. An homage to his formative years, the 4,251 pieces held among the permanent exhibits tell the story of his time in Barcelona and the artistic movements he pioneered.

Upon opening, the museum took the name of Picasso's friend and secretary, Sabartés. Under the Franco regime, it was impossible for the painter of soul-wrenching Guernica – memorialising the bombing of the Basque town by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy – to have a collection under his own name.

In the years following its opening, the museum received donations from some of the most famous names in 20th-century Spain, including Salvador Dalí's gift of Picasso's 1931 etchings, the Las Meninas series, and a ceramics collection donated by Picasso's wife, Jacqueline.

Explore three unique exhibitions

In honour of the 50th anniversary of his death, the Picasso Museum will host two special exhibitions. The first is dedicated to German-born art collector Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, who represented Picasso in Paris. The face behind one of Picasso's most famous cubist works, the art dealer sat for as many as 30 times for the creation of the portrait that took his name.

Together with the neighbouring Miró Foundation, another exhibition will focus on the friendship between these great Spanish names and their admiration for each other. Well established in Paris by the time of Miró's arrival, Picasso was of great help in getting the latter noticed by dealers and art collectors, the result of hours spent together in the studio.

At Barcelona’s Museum of Design, a third exhibition will focus on Picasso and ceramics, with an in-depth exploration of 16 of his fired creations and the impact they had on 20th-century Spanish pottery.

Dine at Picasso’s favourite haunt

After exploring the tree-lined boulevards of Picasso's past, there's no better way to let it all soak in than with a cold beer and plate of tapas in Els Quatre Gats. Housed within a modernist building near La Rambla, this bohemian bar served as a meeting point for painters, poets, and actors during Picasso’s time in the city. 

As the nerve centre of artistic intellectualism at the time, it was at this iconic restaurant that Picasso held his first exhibition, in 1900. During the six years the café was open, over wine, tapas, and foreign cigars the boundaries of art were pushed far beyond the academic traditions that then held sway.

Today, it has reopened, preserving its original interiors and hosting reproductions of the work of artists that once patronised its darkened rooms.

Explore Picasso’s Spain

Considered one of Spain’s most famous artists, Pablo Picasso dominated the 20th-century art world, and his influence and impact can still be felt today.

Throughout 2023 Picasso fans can enjoy a bustling programme of events and exhibitions across Spain to mark the 50th anniversary of his death, making it the perfect time to revisit this beautiful country.

Find out more and plan your holiday at spain.info/picasso