A must-see this autumn in Madrid: from October 28, 2025 to February 1, 2026, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum presents an exceptional exhibition featuring 50 major works by Picasso and Klee, from the renowned Heinz Berggruen Collection (Berlin).
A rare artistic dialogue between two 20th-century masters, set within an immersive journey through modern art
An Unprecedented Dialogue Between Two Modern Masters
The exhibition “Picasso and Klee in the Heinz Berggruen Collection” brings together in Madrid fifty major works by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee, from the prestigious collection of art dealer and philanthropist Heinz Berggruen. A rare opportunity to discover, outside Berlin, some of the most iconic pieces held by the Museum Berggruen, currently closed for renovation.
Combining poetic abstraction with radical modernity, the selected works establish a subtle visual and conceptual dialogue between two distinct yet complementary artistic visions: Picasso’s political intensity and Klee’s inner symbolism.
🔍 Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Exhibition
- A legendary private collection: Built with passion over decades, Berggruen’s collection is now part of Germany’s national heritage.
- A curated dialogue, not just a comparison: The exhibition creates a dynamic interplay of forms, emotions, and contrasts between the two artists.
- A major European art event: After Japan and China, this stop in Madrid marks a key European milestone in the touring exhibition.
- A tribute to the collector’s vision: Berggruen’s personal and intellectual connection with both artists shines through every room of the exhibition.
Two Modernities in Conversation
While both Picasso and Klee sought artistic freedom, their paths diverged. Picasso deconstructed reality to reflect the brutality of the world; Klee crafted symbolic, dreamlike universes. Together, they shaped a century marked by artistic and philosophical revolutions.
📸 Highlights of the Exhibition
- Picasso’s collages and prints
- Klee’s poetic and architectured paintings
- An immersive scenography curated by Paloma Alarcó and Gabriel Montua
📌 Practical Information
- 📍 Venue: Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid
- 🗓️ Dates: October 28, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- 💻 Official website: museothyssen.org
- 🎟️ Tickets: Online booking strongly recommended
❓FAQ – About the Picasso / Klee Exhibition (Thyssen-Bornemisza)
🔸 Who was Heinz Berggruen?
Heinz Berggruen (1914–2007) was a major German art dealer and collector. After founding a famous gallery in Paris in 1950, he built one of the most significant collections of 20th-century art, now housed in the Museum Berggruen in Berlin.
🔸 Why Picasso and Klee?
They were Berggruen’s two favorite artists. This exhibition stages a visual and conceptual dialogue between their works, highlighting unexpected connections between form, symbolism, and emotion.
🔸 Where is this collection usually located?
The works come from the Museum Berggruen in Berlin, which is currently undergoing renovation. This traveling exhibition shares highlights of the collection worldwide.
🔸 Should I book in advance?
Yes, online booking is highly recommended, especially during holidays and peak tourist periods in Madrid.
🔸 Are there French or English tours available?
Yes, multilingual audio guides (including English and French) are available. Guided tours can also be arranged in advance.
🔸 Is the exhibition family-friendly?
Yes, the museum offers family activities and educational content tailored for children, especially through the whimsical universe of Paul Klee.