Imagine standing just a few feet away as Pablo Picasso breathes life into one of his masterpieces. Sounds impossible, right?
Crazily enough, this is exactly what you’ll get at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Picasso and Paper exhibition — a quick day trip that’s practically begging to be added to your Ohio bucket list.
A Short Drive to Another World
Sure, we love Columbus, but sometimes you’ve got to venture a little further for something truly extraordinary. Just a couple of hours away, the Cleveland Museum of Art is hosting what might be the coolest art exhibition you’ll see in the U.S. this year — or let’s be honest, maybe ever.
Why? You might want to find a place with some carpeting because your jaw is about to smash onto the floor.
Nearly 300 Picasso Works in One Place
Let’s start with the numbers: nearly 300 works by Picasso are on display. That’s everything from his intricate sketches to breathtaking paintings, sculptures, and even a costume he designed for Parade, a ballet show from Jean Cocteau and Erik Satie. Yes, Picasso dabbled in fashion too — because if there’s one thing you learn from this exhibition, it’s that Picasso was not afraid of trying something new.
The pièce de résistance? A massive painting that’s being shown in the U.S. for the very first time.
How big are we talking? How about 9 feet by 14 feet! That’s larger than my bedroom when I lived in New York… Just standing in front of it, you can feel the creative energy radiating off the canvas.
Watch Picasso’s Genius Come to Life
One of the most fascinating parts of this exhibition is how it allows you to step inside Picasso’s mind. Many of the works on display include the “studies” — those preliminary sketches and experiments he made before diving into a finished piece. You’re essentially watching his ideas evolve in real time.
And then, there’s the grand finale. The last installation lets you literally watch Picasso paint in real time, thanks to videos displayed alongside several of his finished works. The videos show the opposite side of the canvas of which Picasso is sitting, and you can see the ink hit the paper in real time.
Seeing the master himself in action, brush in hand, feels like an out-of-body experience for any art lover (or even a casual appreciator).
Why This Day Trip Is Worth It
Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for an excuse to escape your usual weekend routine, this exhibit is guaranteed to leave you inspired. It’s rare to get such an intimate glimpse into the creative process of one of history’s greatest artists, let alone see so many of his works gathered in one place.
So, pack up the car, grab a coffee for the road, and head to Cleveland. Trust me, this isn’t just an art exhibit — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Plan Your Trip:
• What: Picasso and Paper Exhibition
• Where: Cleveland Museum of Art | 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
• When: Now thru Sunday, March 23, 2025
Grab your tickets here.