Since 1985, the Musée National Picasso‑Paris resides in the splendid 17th‑century Hôtel Salé, a national historic monument nestled in Paris's Marais district. Restored by Roland Simounet from 1979 to 1985, the building perfectly marries classical architecture and contemporary museum design.

The permanent collection, based on two generous donations (1979, 1990) and continuously expanded, boasts over 5,000 works: paintings, sculptures, ceramics, drawings, engravings, and about 200,000 archival documents – sketches, correspondence, notebooks, photos, and more – offering an intimate insight into Picasso’s creative process. Notably, pieces from Picasso’s personal collection include works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Degas, Chirico, and Giacometti.

Visitors follow a chronological route through different floors, from early adolescent works in the lower levels to major masterpieces and temporary exhibitions above. On the first Wednesday of each month, the museum stays open until 10 pm (last admission at 9:15 pm).

The atmosphere is elegant and contemplative, blending shadowed historic vaults with vibrant artworks. The audience spans art lovers, families, students, tourists, and the art‑curious. A famous anecdote tells Picasso proclaimed “Give me a museum and I will fill it,” a prophecy brought to life here.

Visitor info: Open Tuesday–Sunday 9:30 am–6 pm (last admission at 5:15 pm); closed Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. Free entry on the first Sunday of every month. Free cloakroom; large bags prohibited for security. The gift shop and rooftop café are open the same hours; the garden is accessible April–September.

Allow 1½–2 hours to explore the collection. Audioguides are available (+€4–5), in multiple languages. Access via metro lines 1 (Saint‑Paul), 8 (Saint‑Sébastien Froissart, Chemin Vert); bus 29, 67, 69, 72, 75, 76, 96; several public car parks nearby.