The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is homage to one of the most influential artists of the 20 th century. It was opened in 1963 on the express with of the artist himself, who always held Barcelona in favour having spent much of his youth in the city. The museum is located in Carrer de Montcada, a road which was once inhabited by some of the richest families in Barcelona. Taking over five of the traditional townhouses in the street, it is home to 3,800 works and hosts many temporary exhibitions. Barcelona was home to Picasso during most of his formative years and the collection reflects this with a host of his priceless early pieces.

The Ruiz- Picasso family moved to Barcelona in 1895 and the young artist lived in several locations around the city including Carrer de la Mercé and Carrer de la Riera de la Sant Joan. He left the city for Paris in 1904 but made many trips back to the city to visit family and friends. If you are interested in Picasso and his inspiration it is worth wandering the streets of Ciutat Vella region of the city as this is home to the famous Quatre Gats cafe and the Llotja School where Picasso studied.

The ‘Forgetting Velazquez’ exhibition has just finished however the ‘Picasso Figures/ Still Life’ exhibition is due to open on November 21 st and is running until March 2009.