Located in the lovely neighbourhood of Marais, the
beautiful seventeen-century palais named Hotel Sale houses the largest
collection of works by Picasso in the world. Many of the works were owned
by the artist himself and were obtained by the French state on Picasso's
death in 1973 when they were taken as compensation for the inheritance
taxes owned by Picasso's heirs. The works are displayed in chronological
order; they span some 75 years of Picasso's life and all changes in his
style during this time, all the major periods of the artist's life from
1905 onwards. You can see Picasso's experiments with Cubism and
Surrealism including some studies for his famous Demoiselles d'Avignon, the
painting considered to have launched Cubism in 1907. Then follows his
latest works many on themes related to war and peace; many of the works
picture his wives and children. In addition the museum displays Picasso's
art collection, paintings that he bought or was given by contemporaries
such as Matisse, Cezanne, Braque, Renoir and Miro and his collection of
African masks and sculptures. The displays include photos and information
about the artist's work and life. It all makes for a rewarding visit. The
museum is closed on Tuesdays. Address: Hotel Sale; 5 rue de Thorigny.
