The Artist's Life in a 17th-Century Parisian Mansion

At a Glance

The Musée national Picasso-Paris occupies the 17th-century Hôtel Salé in the Marais. Opened 1985, reopened 2014 after a five-year renovation. Holds the world's largest Picasso collection — about 5,000 works.

Born from an Inheritance Tax

After Picasso's death in 1973, France's dation en paiement scheme let his heirs hand over 1,500 works to settle estate tax. His private Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse and Rousseau collections came too.

Must-See

• La Vie (1903), Blue Period masterpiece.
• Olga in an Armchair (1917).
• Studies for Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.
• Bull's Head (1942) sculpture from bicycle parts.
• Le Baiser (1969) late expressionism.

Visiting Tips

Saint-Paul metro. €14. 2 hours. Closed Mondays. Marais + Beaubourg makes a strong day pairing.