Picasso’s Ceramics Studio To Reopen as Museum After Renovations

Picasso in particular grew to be incredibly fond of the space. When visiting Vallauris in 1947, as it was a town most recognized for its deep-rooted history in pottery and ceramics, he stopped inside Madoura to experiment with clay. From that day on, he formed a loyal creative partnership with the Ramiés. In his 25 years of work at the studio, Picasso created over 3,500 objects, spanning from platters, vases, pitchers, mugs (all engraved with a Madoura stamp), with Suzanne showing him the tricks of the trade.

Today, nearly 30 years after the shop’s official closure in 1997, Vallauris Mayor Kevin Luciano has decided to set forth with major renovations to bring visitors back to the studio. The space was purchased for €3 million ($4 million) by the association of local authorities and is projected to reopen to the public in 2027. The workshop will undergo a €7 million ($8.2 million) transformation, including the opening of a brand new museum.

 

 

 

 

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The physical building has been in serious need of structural rehabilitation. Around ten years ago, many thought the studio was on the brink of collapse, due to gaping holes in the ceiling and waterlogged walls. Luckily, it has stayed standing, but the original foundation no longer exists. Luciano released a statement on his Instagram account, sharing an update on the renovation progress. He noted that 50 cubic meters (120 tons) of concrete and approximately 16 tons of resin were injected into the basement. 

Surprisingly, the workshop itself stayed decently intact throughout the years. Picasso’s furniture, tools, and drying boards were all, for the most part, how he had left them after his last visit. 

Luciano has shared some of his visions for the reopening of the studio, such as a 3,000 foot extension that will mark the museum’s entrance. The mayor also hopes to incorporate a 20,000 square foot public garden on the premises to help soften the concrete appearance of the new editions, like the stone buttresses added to support the building's structure. 

The workshop's original name was an acronym of Suzanne’s combined maiden and last name: MAison (meaning “house” or “home” in French), DOUly (Suzanne’s maiden name), and RAmié. Luciano has no intention of changing it.