WE NOW KNOW THAT ART IS NOT TRUTH. ART IS A LIE THAT MAKES US REALIZE THE TRUTH, AT LEAST THE TRUTH THAT IS GIVEN US TO UNDERSTAND.
The city's name, derived from the Greek "Antipolis," meaning "city opposite," reflects its long and varied history. Founded as a trading post in the 4th century BC, Antibes flourished under Roman rule, becoming an important city and later a bishopric. The fortress that now houses the Picasso Museum was built in the 12th century and was long owned by the Grimaldi family before passing to the French crown under King Henri IV in the 17th century. In 1946, Château Grimaldi became the studio of the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, who had fallen in love with the town during a stay in southern France. During his creative peak after World War II, Picasso worked in Château Grimaldi from July to December 1946. Despite the harsh working conditions – damp walls, cool rooms, and the Mistral wind whistling through the cracks – some of his most famous works, like "La Joie de Vivre" and "La Guerre et La Paix," were created here. Using the simple materials available in the post-war period, Picasso produced masterpieces on wooden scraps and concrete slabs, which can be admired today in the Picasso Museum. On December 27, 1966, Château Grimaldi was officially opened as the Picasso Museum. Today, the collection includes over 230 works by Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics. Particularly impressive are the pieces created during Picasso's stay in Antibes. The permanent exhibition is complemented by temporary shows that explore various aspects of Picasso's work and the context of his creative period. A visit to the Picasso Museum immerses you in the world of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Alongside Picasso's works, the museum features pieces by other notable artists such as Max Ernst and Joan Miró.
I COULD DRAW LIKE RAPHAEL AT A VERY YOUNG AGE, BUT IT TOOK ME A LIFETIME TO LEARN TO DRAW LIKE A CHILD.
The castle terrace displays sculptures set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean, combining art and nature into a unique experience. Picasso's ceramics, created in Vallauris, hold a special place in the exhibition. The artistically crafted plates and sculptures showcase another facet of his creative genius, captivating with their simple elegance and expressiveness. When Picasso left Antibes, he gifted the city 23 paintings and 44 drawings. These works form the heart of the museum's collection and are a lasting legacy of the artist in the town.
