Musée Picasso

About the museum

The Château Grimaldi stands on the former acropolis of the Greek city of Antipolis. It served as a residence of the bishops in the Middle Ages, then belonged to the Grimaldi family, became the town hall in 1792 and a barracks in the 19th century. In 1925 the town bought the château, which became the Musée Grimaldi under the direction of Romuald Dor de la Souchère.

In 1946 Pablo Picasso was given part of the château as a studio. During his stay he produced many paintings and drawings, including “La Joie de vivre”, and left some of them on deposit with the town. A Picasso room was inaugurated in 1947, and the château officially became the Musée Picasso on December 27, 1966. The donation by Jacqueline Picasso in 1991 further enriched the collections.

The museum also presents a collection of modern art built up from donations by artists, with works by Nicolas de Staël, who lived in Antibes in 1954 and 1955, as well as Calder, Ernst and Picabia. Since 2001, two rooms have been devoted to Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman. The terrace displays sculptures by Germaine Richier, Joan Miró and other artists, overlooking the Mediterranean.

Highlights

• “La Joie de vivre” and other Picasso works from 1946
• Ceramics and drawings by Picasso
• Works by Nicolas de Staël
• Rooms devoted to Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman
• Sculpture terrace with Germaine Richier and Joan Miró
• Château Grimaldi on the seafront

Founded

1966

Operated by

Ville d'Antibes Juan-les-Pins

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free for everyone two weeks a year: from the first Tuesday after November 1 to the following Sunday, and from the first Tuesday in February to the following Sunday

The ticket covers the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Also free for holders of the “lol 16-25” card and for job seekers. Free admission for school groups and social-sector groups, including accompanying adults.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Two wheelchairs are lent on request; the museum must be contacted in advance. Tactile tools for visually impaired visitors are available on request. Two sign-language visits in French Sign Language per year, by registration, and a sign-language route in the free “PICASSO ANTIBES” app, which also offers audio description. Easy-read sheets are available. A reserved parking space is located on Place Mariéjol, in front of the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free for visitors under 18. Programmes for toddlers, visit sheets and the free app.

Getting there & parking

A disabled parking space is located on Place Mariéjol. Vehicles without a visible disabled parking permit need authorisation to enter Place Mariéjol.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

A cloakroom is available, but suitcases, large bags and backpacks are not accepted. Bags are checked at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit