Opening Hours of Picasso Museum
The Musée national Picasso-Paris, devoted to Pablo Picasso, is in the Marais inside the historic Hôtel Salé. Standard visiting hours run Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 6:00 p.m.. Make sure you arrive before the last admission time of 5:15 p.m., because staff begin clearing the rooms about 20 minutes before closing, so late arrivals can feel rushed.
If you like museums after dinner, come on the first Wednesday of the month for the late opening: the museum stays open until 10:00 p.m.. On that evening, last admission is 9:15 p.m., and the galleries close around 9:40 p.m., which often makes for a calmer, more atmospheric visit.
The regular weekly closing day is Monday. The museum is also closed on fixed annual dates: January 1, May 1, and December 25. Also note the special holiday schedule: it closes earlier at 5:00 p.m. on December 24 and December 31.
For crowds, expect the most visitors in June–August (peak Paris travel season). Quieter months are usually November–early March (except Christmas/New Year week), while March–May and September are popular but typically more manageable than midsummer.
Opening and Closing Time
09:30 - 18:00
09:30 - 22:00 (first Wednesday of each month)
18:00 - 09:30
22:00 - 09:30 (first Wednesday of each month)
Opening Hours Table
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 09:30 – 18:00 |
Wednesday | 09:30 – 18:00 |
Thursday | 09:30 – 18:00 |
Friday | 09:30 – 18:00 |
Saturday | 09:30 – 18:00 |
Sunday | 09:30 – 18:00 |
Closing Day
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December, and every Monday
Last Entry Time
45 Minutes Before Closing
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Picasso Museum in Paris is usually on a weekday morning, right after it opens around 9:30 a.m. From Tuesday to Friday, the first two hours tend to be calmer, so you can move through the collections without feeling pushed by the crowd. Avoid Monday entirely, as the museum is closed and nearby attractions will feel busier with redirected visitors on that day and the days around it.
If your schedule is packed during the day, a very good alternative is the late opening on the first Wednesday of the month, when the museum stays open into the evening. Arriving in the early evening often means fewer school groups and a more relaxed atmosphere, with softer light in the Marais and a nicer overall mood for art viewing.
In terms of seasons, the calmest periods are generally November to early March (excluding the Christmas and New Year holidays). Shoulder seasons such as March–May and September are popular but still comfortable, especially if you choose a weekday morning or late afternoon. The busiest time is summer, particularly June to August, when Paris is at peak tourist season and the museum queues and galleries can feel packed. If summer is your only option, try to book tickets in advance, come right at opening time, and avoid weekends to get the best possible experience.
Visitor Traffic Year Round
Months | Visitor Traffic level | Note |
|---|---|---|
Jan | Lower | Quiet winter, easy relaxed visit |
Feb | Lower | Short lines, plan for cooler weather |
Mar | Medium | Visitors rise, weekdays still fine |
Apr | Medium | Spring trips. Midday more crowded |
May | High | Pre-summer buzz. Book ahead |
Jun | High | Peak trips. Arrive at opening |
Jul | High | Very busy. Reserve and go early |
Aug | High | Tourist peak. Evenings feel lighter |
Sep | Medium | Steady crowds. Weekdays preferable |
Oct | Medium | Popular month, avoid weekends |
Nov | Lower | Off-season. Peaceful galleries |
Des | Medium | Holiday spikes around Xmas/New Year |
FAQ
What are the regular opening and closing hours of the Picasso Museum in Paris?
The Musée national Picasso-Paris is generally open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 18:00, giving you most of the day to visit without rushing.
Which days is the Picasso Museum open, and what day is it closed each week?
It’s open Tuesday through Sunday and closed every Monday, so Monday is not a good day to schedule it in your Paris itinerary.
What time is the last entry, and when do the galleries start closing?
Last admission is at 5:15pm, and the rooms begin closing before the final museum closing time—so arriving by late afternoon can feel tight.
Does the Picasso Museum have late opening hours (evening visits)?
Yes—there’s a late opening until 10:00pm on the first Wednesday of each month, with last admission at 9:15pm, ideal for an after-dinner visit.
Is the Picasso Museum open on public holidays, and are there fixed closure dates?
The museum has annual closure dates, including January 1, May 1, and December 25, so it’s smart to avoid those days when planning.