Picasso Takes Over the Art Gallery of NSW

If a single painting by Picasso is enough to turn heads and invite wide-eyed gawking, can you imagine the response to a wall-to-wall showcase of his work? Well, imagine no more, as it's soon to become a reality.

The Art Gallery of NSW is assembling a collection of over 150 pieces by the celebrated artist for the exhibition Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris. Paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures by the bloke who made artwork with cubes hip are being flown in from his own personal collection and (as the name suggests) the Musee National Picasso, Paris.

To give you an idea of just how much Picasso goodness is heading our way, the gallery is temporarily closing its 20th century Australia galleries so they can be renovated to cram in the work that spans his Rose, Blue, Expressionist, Neoclassical, Surrealist and, of course, Cubist periods. While these renovations are underway, other Australian works will be chauffeured to the Entrance court, 19th century Australian and 20th century Aboriginal art galleries.

The Art Gallery of NSW is the only Australian stopover for this banquet of the senses. Organised by the Musee National Picasso, the Art Gallery of NSW and Art Exhibitions Australia, Sydney has been lucky enough to secure the internationally roaming exhibition while the Musee in Paris is closed for renovations. The work has also travelled to Madrid, Tokyo, Moscow, Seattle and San Francisco.

Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso will be shown from November 12 - 25 March 2012. Tickets are already available from Ticketek, and range from early bird tickets (viewing the exhibition before the gallery opens to the public at 10am) through to an evening dining option complete with canapes, a three-course meal, drinks, art guides and entertainment.