The ceramics studio where Picasso worked will be transformed into a museum

After almost 30 years, the Madoura Pottery in the southern French town of Vallauris is set to reopen to the public. The studio where Pablo Picasso created is currently undergoing a major renovation and will open as a museum in spring 2027.

The studio was opened in 1938 by the renowned ceramicist Suzanne Ramié and her husband Georges. Over the years, it has served masters such as Picasso, Matisse and Marc Chagall.

Picasso himself used the studio for over two decades, producing over 3,500 objects there: vases, jugs, and platters. In June, seven vessels he created in its interiors were auctioned in Geneva.

The handicraft forge that served the illustrious artists closed in 1997. Over the years, the building had deteriorated to the point that it was in danger of collapse ten years ago. However, the workshop will finally find a second life thanks to the Vallauris authorities. The workshop is currently undergoing a much-needed, thorough renovation, overseen by the city’s mayor, Kevin Luciano.

"We want to preserve the building, we don't intend to distort it or modify it too much. We want it to remain as it was," Luciano told Nice-Matin.

Currently, the building is undergoing work such as removing asbestos, repairing the roof , and installing stone supports. The second phase of the renovation is to begin this autumn. The work will cost 7 million euros.

The new museum is expected to open in spring 2027. Many interesting artifacts will await visitors. The workshop where Picasso created has remained largely the same as the artist left it. The furniture, tools and brushes used by the Spaniard have been preserved.