AGO link
Brian, Danica and I spent 3 hours in there today and it was just enough time to get all the way around the HUGE number of pieces on display. (Thanks for the iPhone snaps, Brian).
I don’t know where the time went. Full marks to the curators who organized the exhibition. The rooms are beautifully arranged and spaced. Of course the selection of the works was Picasso’s. These pieces were ones that he kept for himself, as a kind of diary of his epic career. The whole sweep, from the opening of of 20th century to the artist’s death in 1973, is documented in an astonishing collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints. And they aren’t small or obscure pieces, either. There are BIG bronzes and large scale paintings, many very famous… room after room… you really get your money’s worth at this one.
The three of us chose to go on Tuesday morning, said to be the lowest attendance period. We got right in without any problem. Although this is a timed exhibition, once you are inside, you can stay as long as you like…well, until closing anyway. Your ticket will get you into the whole of the gallery, so it would be great to set aside a whole day. You can see Picasso, leave for lunch (inside the AGO or anywhere in the city) and come back in to see everything else.
Highly recommended. You won’t get another chance like this unless you follow the show home to Paris. Kudos, AGO. I have mixed feelings about the “blockbuster” approach to art exhibits but in this case, I have to admit… no reservations at all. It was a great idea, well executed.