Exhibition "Philip Guston. The Irony of History" National Picasso Museum from October 14, 2025 to March 1, 2026

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Discover the provocative universe of Philip Guston at the Picasso Museum in Paris. This exhibition explores his major works, from abstract expressionism to satirical figuration, and his drawings inspired by the political critique of the 1970s. Dive into the irony and visual power of Guston's engaged art.

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€16

Exhibition

Entry ticket to the National Picasso Museum

An exceptional retrospective dedicated to Philip Guston, a major artist of the 20th century.
From Abstract Expressionism to satirical figuration, a journey tracing the stylistic evolution of the artist.
Powerful political drawings, including the series inspired by Philip Roth’s satirical novel Our Gang, criticizing the Nixon presidency.
Bold and provocative works, blending humor, caricature, and social commentary.
A prestigious venue: the Musée Picasso-Paris, housed in the Hôtel Salé, in the heart of the Marais district.
An immersive scenographic layout, spanning ground floor and basement, exploring the key phases of his career.
A major stylistic break that shook the New York art world and affirmed Guston’s creative independence.
An exhibition open to all: art lovers, students, families, or the simply curious.
Convenient opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed on Mondays and certain public holidays.
Easy access in the Marais, a lively and historic neighborhood of Paris.
Insightful guided tours (Saturday and Sunday mornings) to understand the artist’s context and references.
A politically engaged art event, connecting the social critique of the 1970s with today’s concerns.

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What to expect

Dive into the bold and provocative world of Philip Guston, one of the most fascinating artists of the 20th century, with the exhibition Philip Guston. The Irony of History, held at the Musée national Picasso-Paris from October 14, 2025, to March 1, 2026. This exceptional exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover Guston’s stylistic and intellectual evolution, from his beginnings in Abstract Expressionism to his committed and satirical works of the 1970s.

Philip Guston. The Irony of History – A Must-See Exhibition at Musée Picasso-Paris

Located at 5 rue de Thorigny, in the historic Marais district, the Musée Picasso-Paris is an iconic venue to host this retrospective. The exhibition unfolds across the ground floor and the basement of the Hôtel Salé, providing an immersive journey through Guston’s various artistic periods. Each space is designed to allow visitors to contemplate and understand the evolution of his style, from his early figurative experiments to his satirical drawings denouncing the political absurdities of his time.

A Unique Perspective on Art and Politics

Philip Guston never hesitated to use his art to comment on the world around him. The exhibition particularly highlights a series of drawings made in 1971, inspired by the satirical novel Our Gang by Philip Roth, which criticizes Richard Nixon’s presidency and administration. These works, both provocative and humorous, bear witness to Guston’s commitment to denouncing social and political injustices. They offer a unique experience where satire and artistic depth meet.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors discover the major transition that marked the artist: the shift from Abstract Expressionism to a more caricatural figurative style, almost close to comic strips. At the time, this choice provoked strong reactions in the New York art world, but it also established Guston as a daring artist, willing to break conventions to express his vision of the world. The exhibition thus helps understand the importance of this stylistic break and the power of the message behind each work.

Why Visit This Exhibition?

Visiting Philip Guston. The Irony of History is an opportunity to dive into the mind of an artist who blends aesthetics and social critique. Each drawing, each canvas tells a story and invites the viewer to reflect on the absurdities and contradictions of his time. The exhibition is designed to captivate a broad audience, whether art lovers, students, or casual visitors looking for an intense cultural experience.

Thanks to its central location and historic architecture, Musée Picasso-Paris provides the perfect setting to appreciate these works. Visitors can enjoy a smooth route, with spaces arranged to contemplate each piece in optimal conditions. The carefully crafted scenography highlights the richness of colors, the details of the drawings, and the strength of the messages conveyed by Guston.

Practical Information for Your Visit

To fully enjoy the exhibition, it is strongly recommended to book your tickets in advance. This not only guarantees access on your preferred date but also helps avoid queues, especially during weekends and holiday periods. Online booking is simple and quick, ensuring a stress-free entry.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 6 pm, and closed on Mondays as well as the following public holidays: January 1, May 1, and December 25. This schedule allows visitors to plan their visit calmly and enjoy every moment to discover the exhibited works.

Prices and Accessibility

The exhibition offers several pricing options to accommodate all audiences:

Full price: €16
Reduced price: €12
Family price: discount for 1 to 2 adults accompanying a child
Free: for museum members

These rates make the exhibition accessible while enhancing the cultural experience offered by Guston’s works. Moreover, the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility, ensuring all visitors can fully enjoy the exhibition.

Guided Tours and Enriched Experiences

For those wishing to deepen their discovery, guided tours are offered: they last about 1 hour and 15 minutes and provide better understanding of the historical context, literary references, and stylistic choices of the artist. Tours take place Saturdays at 10:30 am and Sundays at 11 am, except the first Sunday of the month. These guided visits are ideal for families, school groups, and art enthusiasts looking to enrich their experience.

A Memorable Cultural Experience

Beyond the visual aspect, this exhibition invites the viewer to reflect on the role of art in society. Guston uses his work to question notions of authority, injustice, and individual responsibility. Each satirical drawing is a living testimony of the political tensions of the 1970s and resonates surprisingly with our present time.

By booking your tickets now, you not only ensure a comfortable and organized visit but also participate in an exceptional cultural adventure. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to encounter Guston’s art in person, feel its energy, and understand the irony he deploys through each work.

Conclusion

Philip Guston. The Irony of History is more than just an exhibition: it is a journey into engaged art, a dialogue between satire, aesthetics, and social critique. Located at Musée Picasso-Paris, in a historic and prestigious setting, this retrospective offers you a complete and enriching artistic experience.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity. Book your tickets today and let yourself be carried away by the visual and intellectual power of Philip Guston. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibition promises an unforgettable immersion into the world of a master of irony and social critique.

Schedule

Available every day except on Monday
Schedule: 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm

Dive with your group into Guston's satirical universe!

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Offer your group a fascinating dive into Philip Guston's satirical universe and discover the irony of history through his iconic works at the Picasso Museum in Paris: an unforgettable artistic and cultural experience to book now!

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