Diego Giacometti and Museé Picasso
14.09.18

Museé Picasso in Paris is one of our favourite museums, not just for the work of the master himself, but also for the majestic 17th century hôtel particulier in which it is housed. This past summer it was wonderful to learn more about the museum’s relatively short history and the Diego Giacometti commissions that form much of its interior. Opened in September of 1985, the historic interior was adapted by architect Roland Simounet who overcame a bid by Carlo Scarpa to win the project. For Giacometti, whose career is often overshadowed by his famous brother Alberto, Simounet provided an unparalleled platform for showcasing his work as both a sculptor and designer. Giacometti’s site-specific collection of chairs, benches, lights and tables, designed exclusively for the hôtel, was a career pinnacle. Tragically, he died just months before the museum opened, however millions have enjoyed his work since as a support act to one of the world’s largest Picasso collections. Photography courtesy of Béatrice Hatala.