See the house where a baby named Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso came into the world in 1881. We all know him better as Pablo Picasso, a name that globally conjures up images of brilliant paintings.
Even though it is more than four decades ago that Pablo Picasso passed away, his fame lives on. Visit Picasso’s former family home on Plaza de la Merced, now the site of the Picasso Foundation headquarters. Named simply the Casa Natal Picasso (Picasso’s Birthplace), most of the house has now been transformed into a museum a tribute to the great artist’s life and work.
Picasso’s natural gift for drawing was already clear at a young age and his successful career started in Malaga. Even though he didn’t spend much time in his hometown, Picasso’s vision of the world was certainly shaped by the colourful Spanish city. One of Picasso’s most famous quotes is that it took him a lifetime to learn how to paint like a child.
Explore the museum’s four levels to see the expansive collection. The permanent exhibits show 4,000 artworks by Picasso and artists who were inspired by him. The rotating and travelling exhibitions also feature other modern masters.
Admire the artist’s diversity through his early academic studies, engravings and ceramics. Don’t miss the rough sketches for the pivotal 1907 painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. See photographs and memorabilia of Picasso and his family and a self-portrait of the young genius.
Peek into Picasso’s first studio and see how he started out with traditional sketches. He later famously developed his own take on cubism and collages, among other styles. Learn about Picasso’s place in art history in the Casa Natal Picasso library and research centre, which hosts workshops and events.
Picasso’s Birthplace is open daily, except public holidays. Entry fees are very affordable and include an audio tour. Entry is free on Sunday. This national heritage site stands at the core of Malaga’s Old Town district, which you can reach by taxi or bus.
