PICASSO NATIONAL MUSEUM
VALLAURIS
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Musée National Picasso is housed in the Romanesque chapel of the former priory of Vallauris.
Pablo Picasso, a resident of Vallauris since 1948, chose to bring to life in this chapel a monumental mural composition entitled "War and Peace".
After his landmark works such as "Guernica" in 1937 and "Massacre in Korea" in 1951, Picasso created this political fresco in 1952.
It remains a strikingly topical work, testifying to the artist's passion and ingenuity in denouncing the horrors of war and his profound commitment to peace!
In 1955, the town offered Picasso the chance to exhibit, in recognition of his work in reviving the art of pottery in the region.
A must-see for art and culture lovers.
Resident in Vallauris since 1948, Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) chose the Romanesque chapel of the former priory
de Vallauris as the setting for a monumental mural composition entitled La Guerre et la Paix (War and Peace). After Guernica
in 1937 and Massacre in Korea in 1951, Picasso executed this great political fresco in 1952, which is still very topical
: in it, the artist passionately and inventively denounces the horrors of war and bears witness to his
commitment to peace.
War and Peace in the Chapel
Musée National Picasso de Guerre et Paix in Vallauris!
The museum is housed in the former château du prieuré, given to Picasso by the town of Vallauris in 1955, in recognition of his work in reviving the art of pottery in the region.
The museum is located in the immediate vicinity of the Magnelli municipal museumand the Musée de la Céramique, and is the first stage in a tour of the town linking the places where Picasso lived and worked.
Painting of "War and Peace" by Pablo Picasso
The birth of a powerful work: War and Peace
Imagine yourself in 1952, in Picasso's magical studio at Le Fournas in Vallauris.
It was here that the great artist brought to life a monumental work, "War and Peace".
Two giant panels filled with meaning, born in that post-war period when the world was desperately calling for peace.
This work has a deep and mysterious meaning, a true allegorical journey.
A fascinating creative process
Did you know that Picasso prepared this masterpiece with over 300 drawings?
It took a lot of hard work to bring this vision to life.
Isorel panels standing proudly, a specially designed wooden structure, and all inside a chapel!
It was like a symphony of art and engineering.
War and Peace, composition by Picasso
The arrival of art in the chapel
In 1954, "La Guerre et la Paix" found its permanent home in the chapel, a generous gift to the State in 1956.
However, it never moved, remaining proudly "in situ".
It was in 1959 that the work was officially inaugurated, a memorable moment.
But before that, the chapel kept its doors partially closed to the public - for security reasons, of course!
A painted world: The Four Parts of the World
The chapel wasn't just the home of "War and Peace".
In 1958, Picasso created an incredible fresco called "The Four Parts of the World".
It took its place proudly at the back of the chapel, just a few days before the official inauguration.
A fascinating addition to an already magical place.
External architecture of the Musée National Picasso and the château
Chapel of War and Peace
Chapelle de la Guerre et de la Paix, an artistic gem in the heart of Vallauris!
Here you'll discover a place steeped in history and emotion, linked to the famous artist Pablo Picasso.
Prepare to be fascinated by this unique experience, which will plunge you into the post-war world and its calls for peace through art.
A "War and Peace" art treasure
In 1952, Picasso used his exceptional talent to create immense works in this chapel.
"War and Peace" are the watchwords here.
These two enormous painted panels transport visitors into a world of symbols and reflections on peace after troubled times.
La Chapelle, an exceptional place
The chapel itself is an architectural work of art.
It was specially designed to house these monumental paintings.
As you enter, you'll feel as if you're walking through a living painting.
It's a special place where art and architecture meet.
Entrance to the Picasso National Museum
Works, powerful messages
These works are not just beautiful images, they carry profound messages.
Picasso wanted us to think about war and peace.
It's an experience that touches the heart and the mind, an opportunity to connect with history and meditate on the importance of peace in our world.
Art lovers, a not-to-be-missed event
If you're a lover of art, history or simply curious about places that have marked eras, this chapel is a must-see.
It bears witness to a crucial period in history, to the impact of art on society, and to the universal desire for peace.
Picasso's legacy
By visiting this chapel, you are in a sense witnessing Picasso's legacy.
His desire for peace, his artistic genius and his commitment to transformation through art are palpable here.
It's an opportunity to feel the presence and vision of this legendary artist.
Enjoy this unique journey into art, reflection and peace.
Discover Unique and Creative Tours
During the school vacations, the Musée Magnelli offers an exciting program of guided tours and creative workshops for all ages, from children to adults.
Prices for Tours and Workshops
Visit and workshop for children (aged 4 and over): €3
Visit and workshop for adults: €12 (plus admission)
Guided tour for adults: €1.75 (plus admission)
Single admission ticket:
Full price: €6
Reduced price: 3 € (for jobseekers, seniors over 65, students - proof required)
Free: children under 18, Vallauris residents (with proof of address), RSA recipients (on presentation of proof)
Buy your ticket on site on the day of your visit at the Musée Magnelli, Musée de la Céramique ticket office.
Reservations required:
To guarantee your place, please book with the Musée Magnelli, Musée de la Céramique public relations department.
Contacts: +33 (0)4 93 64 71 82
schauveau@vallauris.fr and cloiseau@vallauris.fr
The number of participants is limited, in accordance with current health regulations.
Opening hours
Open all year round, except January 1, May 1, November 1, November 11 and December 25.
Standard opening hours, except public holidays:
Open every day except Tuesday, January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, and December 25.
from 10am to 12:15pm
from 2pm to 5pm*
*The ticket office closes at 4:30pm.
Summer opening hours, July 1 to September 15:
Open daily
10am to 12:30pm
2pm to 6pm**
**The ticket office closes at 5:45pm
Please check these opening hours if you are planning a visit during the summer or on Christmas Eve. Enjoy your visit to the museum!
Exceptions for December 24 and 31:
from 10am to 12:15pm
from 2pm to 5pm***
*** Box office closes at 3:30pm
Prices
The admission ticket gives access to both museums: permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
Full price: €6
Reduced admission : 3 € (seniors, students)
Free: up to and including age 18, for Vallauris Golfe-Juan residents, and on the 1st Sunday of the month.
Grouped ticket Magnelli Museum, Ceramics Museum and National War and Peace Museum
Accessibility for the disabled
Tours for disabled visitors are offered and managed by the public service of the Magnelli Museum of Ceramics.
The number of participants is limited, in accordance with current health regulations.
It is possible to split groups, alternating visits to the Magnelli Museum of Ceramics.
SITE ACCESSIBILITY
On request, a PMR access ramp can be installed to enter the nave of the Picasso National Museum's chapel, La Guerre et la Paix, from where the work is visible, but without facing it (presence of steps).
Only part of the ground floor of the Musée Magnelli, musée de la céramique is accessible to wheelchair users.
Contact for more information
Claire Loiseau +33 (0)4 93 64 71 82
cloiseau@vallauris.fr
GUIDED TOURS AND WORKSHOPS
The Magnelli Ceramics Museum's visitors' service offers a range of tools and facilities adapted to the visually and mentally impaired.
Duration: between 45 minutes and 1h30
Rates
Free admission on presentation of an MDPH card (including accompanying adults)
Children's visit and workshop: €1.10
Adult visit and workshop: €12
Adult guided tour: €1.75
Payment by cash or cheque at the ticket office of the Musée Magnelli, musée de la céramique.
