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Picasso in Tehran: A Historic Exhibition Brings Hidden Masterpieces to Light

Tehran Hosts Rare Picasso Exhibition After Decades

Bahar Jaferi5 days agoLast Updated: March 16, 2025

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The Picasso In Tehran Exhibition, Opened On March 11, 2025, At Tehran Museum Of Contemporary Art, Features 66 Works, Including The 1957 &Quot;Tauromachia&Quot; Series, Showcasing Spanish Bullfighting In Iran For The First Time. — The Picasso in Tehran exhibition, opened on March 11, 2025, at Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, features 66 works, including the 1957 "Tauromachia" series, showcasing Spanish bullfighting in Iran for the first time.

Have you ever imagined encountering Pablo Picasso’s groundbreaking works in the heart of Tehran? The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) has opened its doors to an extraordinary event, “Picasso in Tehran”, displaying 66 works by the iconic Spanish artist.

For decades, these pieces sat locked away, out of sight from the public eye following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Now, they’re back, offering a rare chance to explore Picasso’s genius in a city rich with history and culture.

The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art sits on North Kargar Avenue, a striking structure designed by Iranian architect Kamran Diba. Built in 1977 under Empress Farah Pahlavi’s vision, it merges Persian architectural traditions with modern flair.

Before the revolution, TMoCA boasted one of the world’s most impressive collections of Western modern art—over 3,000 works, including masterpieces by Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock.

After 1979, much of this collection vanished into the museum’s vaults, deemed unsuitable for display by the new regime. Today, this exhibition signals a shift, bringing these long-hidden treasures back into the spotlight.

Exploring Picasso in Tehran: A Cultural Revival

The Picasso exhibition kicked off on March 11, 2025, showcasing works from various stages of the artist’s career. Among them are 12 aquatint prints from the “Tauromachia” series, a 1957 collection reflecting Picasso’s fascination with bullfighting and Spanish heritage. These intricate prints, never before shown in Iran, capture the drama and intensity of the bullring.

Other standout pieces include “Painter and His Model” and “Weeping Woman,” each highlighting Picasso’s relentless innovation. The exhibition also features works by Iranian artists like Bahram Dabiri and Bahman Mohasses, alongside international figures such as Georges Braque and Joan Miró, creating a dialogue between cultures and styles.

Picture this: diplomats, artists, and cultural leaders gathering under TMoCA’s iconic skylights on opening night. The ceremony drew heavyweights like Iran’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Nadereh Rezaei, and Spain’s Ambassador, Antonio Sánchez-Benedito Gaspar.

The ambassador spoke passionately about Picasso’s “Guernica,” a monumental work depicting war’s devastation. “Picasso delivers a universal message of peace, respect, and coexistence,” he said, tying the artist’s vision to today’s global challenges. Rezaei echoed this sentiment, noting how the museum aims to reframe its collection with bold, new perspectives.

Who was Pablo Picasso, the man behind these works? Born in 1881 in Málaga, Spain, he revolutionized 20th-century art. A co-founder of Cubism, Picasso produced over 50,000 pieces—paintings, sculptures, prints, and more—constantly pushing boundaries. His early Blue and Rose periods gave way to abstract experiments, cementing his status as a creative titan. In Tehran, visitors can trace this evolution, witnessing how his influence rippled across continents, even inspiring Iranian artists.

Planning a trip? The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art welcomes visitors daily, except Mondays, until April 20, 2025. Located near Laleh Park, it’s an easy stop for first-time travelers exploring the city. Nearby, the Golestan Palace and the National Museum of Iran offer more cultural riches. TMoCA’s sculpture garden, featuring works by Ernst and Magritte, adds an extra layer of discovery. Check the museum’s official site for ticket details and hours.

Why does this exhibition matter? For history buffs, it’s a window into Iran’s complex past—how a nation once embraced Western art, then turned away, and now reopens that door. Cultural enthusiasts will revel in the chance to see Picasso’s masterpieces alongside Iranian interpretations. One visitor at the opening put it perfectly: “Seeing Picasso here feels like a bridge between worlds.” This event isn’t just about art; it’s about connection, resilience, and the power of creativity to endure. So, whether you’re a curious traveler or an art lover, Tehran beckons with a story you won’t forget.