Picasso Museum in Antibes, France

One of the finest museums dedicated to the artist’s work is on the French Riviera.

Read the entire Antibes, France Food & Travel Guide

Picasso Museum origin story

In the late 14th century, the city of Antibes was awarded to Marc and Luc Grimaldi. Shortly thereafter, the brothers had a fortress built in Antibes, right on the waterfront. Chateau Grimaldi later became the property of the king of France and, after the revolution, was converted into a town hall.

The city of Antibes acquired Chateau Grimaldi in 1925 and turned it into a museum. In 1946, just after the end of WWII, one of the curators of the museum contacted Pablo Picasso and asked him if he’d like to set up a workshop in the chateau. Picasso happily agreed and spent six months there. He created many works during his time in Antibes including the masterpiece “La Joie de Vivre,” which not only captures Europe’s joy at the end of the war, but Picasso’s creative rebirth with his (much younger) lover Francoise Gilot.

The museum’s works

Picasso’s wife Jacqueline died in 1986 and willed several works to the museum. In addition to “La Joie de Vivre,” other later works like “Mere et Enfants Jouant” and “Pecheur Assis a la Casquette” are on display. And, it’s not just paintings–there’s ceramics and sculptures to see at the Picasso Museum.

The museum is filled with Picasso’s work over 2 floors. Outside is a terrace with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Tickets are 6 Euro (3 for students and seniors) and can be purchased at the entrance. The museum is closed on Mondays and some holidays with hours from 10 to 6 during the summer, closed from 1 to 2 during the winter.

Read the entire Antibes, France Food & Travel Guide

Getting to Antibes

The closest airport to Antibes is Nice. There are direct flights to many cities in Europe and seasonal flights to a few North American locations.

The best way to get from the airport to Antibes is the train. It takes less than 20 minutes while the bus is 45 minutes or longer. Taxi or Uber is a much more expensive alternative.

From Paris, there is a high speed that can get you to Antibes in 5.5 hours, just make sure you get the direct train as connecting trains take longer–sometimes much, much longer.

About the Author

Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides to France, including one for Antibes. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms.