Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Grimaldi Castle, based on the Greek acropolis of Antipolis, incorporates Roman remains from the 1st century AD. A 11th century square tower, built with reused Roman stones, dominates the building. The present castle, built in the 15th century and modified in the 17th century, was occupied by the Grimaldi from 1385 before being bought by Henry IV in 1608. He then served as governoral residence, city hall, and barracks until 1924.

In 1925, the town of Antibes acquired the delabrated castle to become the Grimaldi museum. In 1946 Pablo Picasso set up his studio there for two months, creating numerous works which he left in storage. A hall was dedicated to him in 1947, and the museum officially took its name in 1966. The collection was enriched in 1990 thanks to a statement by Jacqueline Picasso, supplemented by subsequent acquisitions.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1928, the castle now houses 245 works by Picasso, as well as pieces by Nicolas de Staël, Fernand Léger, or Joan Miró. Closed for renovation in 2006 under the direction of architect Pierre-Antoine Gatier, he reopened in 2008 after a restoration highlighting his architectural and artistic heritage.

External links