The Musée Picasso-Paris has announced an ambitious $59 million transformation project that will significantly expand the museum's capacity and create the world's first open-air museum dedicated entirely to Pablo Picasso's sculptures. The comprehensive renovation plan includes a new wing for temporary exhibitions and an innovative sculpture park that will be freely accessible to the public without requiring museum admission.
The major construction project is scheduled to take place between 2028 and 2030, with museum officials committed to keeping the institution open throughout the renovation period. This ensures that visitors will continue to have access to the museum's impressive collection of more than 5,000 works by Picasso during the transformation. The ambitious expansion comes exactly one decade after the Musée Picasso previously tripled its exhibition space in a major renovation.
Museum President Cécile Debray explained the necessity for the renovation, stating that while "the building is magnificent and extremely well-maintained," she has observed significant operational limitations over time. "All visitor traffic constantly intersects," Debray noted, adding that "the museum was designed in the 1980s as a jewel box, not a living space." This design philosophy, while creating an intimate viewing experience, has proven inadequate for the museum's current needs and visitor volume.
The expansion's centerpiece will be a new wing dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which will double the museum's current space for such displays. When completed, the new wing will provide a total of 8,600 square feet specifically designated for rotating exhibitions, allowing the museum to host larger and more diverse shows featuring Picasso's work alongside other artists.
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the project is the creation of a 25,000-square-foot sculpture park that will combine the museum's existing garden with the nearby Square Léonor-Fini. This expansive outdoor space will house approximately 10 sculptures by Picasso and will be completely free and accessible to passersby, regardless of whether they purchase museum tickets. Debray emphasized the interactive nature of the planned space, explaining that they are "taking inspiration from Scandinavian gardens, where it is possible to touch the sculptures."
The sculpture park represents a groundbreaking approach to displaying Picasso's three-dimensional works, as Debray described it as "the first open-air museum dedicated to Picasso." This public accessibility aligns with contemporary museum practices that emphasize community engagement and the democratization of art access, allowing people to encounter Picasso's sculptures in a natural, outdoor setting.
Funding for the extensive renovation will come through a carefully orchestrated patronage campaign managed by a foundation hosted by the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Additionally, the Picasso family has made a significant financial contribution toward achieving the project's $59 million goal, demonstrating their continued commitment to preserving and expanding access to the artist's legacy. The combination of private donations and institutional support reflects the broad recognition of the project's cultural importance for Paris and the international art community.
