Paris is set to inaugurate a new outdoor sculpture garden dedicated to Pablo Picasso in 2030. The project, named "Picasso 2030," will be located next to the Musée National Picasso-Paris. This initiative aims to provide the public with an open-air setting to experience the artist's bronze sculptures. The garden will span 2,300 square meters, integrating the museum's current garden and a small adjacent public square into a new art appreciation space.
The curated environment will showcase around a dozen significant works by Picasso, including the 1950 bronze "Chevre" (The Goat). This endeavor is a collaborative effort supported by the City of Paris and the French Ministry of Culture, developed in consultation with the Picasso family, notably his daughter Paloma Picasso. Paloma Picasso has described the project as "full of life—like my father," seeing it as a tribute to Picasso's deep connection to Paris, where he lived and worked for many years, including during World War II.
Beyond art display, the "Picasso 2030" garden intends to foster a magical interaction between the public, especially children, and art within a natural setting. This approach aligns with the broader concept of public art and sculpture gardens as accessible cultural hubs that demystify art and encourage wider appreciation. Such spaces are recognized for enhancing community engagement, offering educational opportunities, and creating unique urban experiences that blend art with nature.
This project is part of a larger €50 million expansion plan for the Musée National Picasso-Paris, which also includes a new wing designed to double the space for temporary exhibitions. Construction for both the "Picasso 2030" garden and the new museum wing is scheduled to commence in 2028, with an anticipated opening in 2030. The garden will be accessible to the public free of charge, reflecting the spirit of open access common to many successful public art installations. This development represents a significant move to make Picasso's sculptural legacy more accessible and integrated into Parisian life.