Hello, and welcome to another of your friendly South of France property surveyor’s guides to some of the best places to see in this beautiful part of the world.
Recently, we’ve explored the Lavender Fields of Provence, the stunning seaside town of Sète and we’ve even had a splashing good time at the best waterparks the region has to offer.
Today, we’re visiting a grand castle-cum-museum in Antibes, dedicated to arguably the most famous artist of the 20th century – Pablo Picasso.
The Musée Picasso
Originally a residence for bishops in the Middle Ages, the Chateau Grimaldi or Grimaldi Castle – named after the royal Grimaldi family governing the Principality of Monaco, for whom it became a stronghold in 1608 – is now known as the Musée Picasso.
Located in the coastal city of Antibes in the South of France, the story goes that Picasso was invited to set up a studio in part of the Chateau in 1946 while living in Golfe Juan nearby and spent somewhere between two and six months there creating many of his great works.
By this point, the castle had been bought by the city of Antibes and was known as the Grimaldi Museum. It was a productive time for the artist, who expressed much love and enthusiasm for the building – as well as a renewed joy for life itself after the Second World War came to an end.
Picasso decorated the museum as he worked and upon his departure donated to it a total of 44 drawings and 23 paintings – including the famous Joie de Vivre (Joy of Living). These pieces became the basis of the Picasso Room, which the Grimaldi Museum opened in 1947 to celebrate the artist’s stay in Antibes.
In the following years, the museum received further donations from the artist – including 78 ceramics, as well as more drawings and paintings – and held numerous exhibitions in his name, but it wasn’t until 1966 that the castle officially became the Musée Picasso.
Today, you can admire some 245 artworks created by Pablo Picasso, as well as paintings and sculptures by other modern artists, including Anna-Eva Bergman, Hans Hartung and Nicolas de Stael.
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Picasso Museum truly is one of the most enticing attractions the South of France has to offer. The building, with its terracotta tiles, carved door frames and glimpses of the sea, is arguably every bit as stunning as the artworks themselves.
Picasso’s work is displayed on the top floor where his studio was located. Many of his lesser-known pieces are on display, as well as photos of the artist in his studio with friends. The ground and first floors are where you’ll find the works of other modern artists and temporary exhibitions – all of which are must-sees for art lovers.
Admission is just €6 for adults, and the museum is open from 10am-6pm most of the year (closed on Mondays).
Final Thoughts
No trip to Antibes will ever be complete without paying a visit to the glorious and historic Picasso Museum.
You may, however, be considering more than just a holiday, perhaps a permanent relocation – in which case you may also be considering purchasing a property in the region. And for that, you will of course require the services of a friendly and experienced South of France Property Surveyor.
With decades of experience buying and selling property in the South of France, Charles Mackintosh is at your service to help you navigate the process and make the right decisions.
Get in touch today for more information