The building where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and lived until 1884 houses works and personal belongings of the artist and his family. A specialized library and an on-going program of temporary exhibitions and cultural activities complement the offer of Picasso's Birthplace Museum.

The permanent collection

The first major addition was in 1989 with the folder of engravings "Dream and Lie of Franco"; this was followed by illustrated books donated by the painter's family. Currently there are over 50 books illustrated by Picasso and other artists such as Miró, Chagall and Max Ernst.

Also noteworthy are the notebooks of preparatory drawings for the work "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" which marked the beginning of his "African Period" or "Protocubism", which gave rise to the artistic movement of cubism, and of which Picasso is the greatest exponent. The 84 drawings are complemented by a repertoire of graphic work covering the period from 1905-1971.

There is also a collection of 238 lithographs made between 1930 and 1960. Of great interest are the 34 ceramic pieces created between 1940 and 1946. The Birthplace Museum has brought together more than 4,000 pieces by 200 different artists.

The building

Pablo Picasso, the most important painter of the twentieth century, was born in 1881 at number 15 Plaza de la Merced. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument of National Interest in 1983, Picasso's Birthplace Museum began by occupying the first floor and now occupies the entire building.

In 2005, another exhibition centre opened at number 13 in the Plaza de la Merced.

The property nestles in the architectural complex known as Casas de Campos lived where Don José Ruiz Blasco and Maria Picasso, Pablo Ruiz Picasso's parents lived.

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