Exhibitions
Guernica, between memory and controversy: the Picasso Museum-Paris revives its history in virtual reality
At a time when the debate about the possible relocation of Guernica to the Basque Country has resurfaced—an option that, for now, remains ruled out by the institutions responsible for its conservation—the Musée National Picasso-Paris is proposing a new way to experience this seminal work of the 20th century. From April 8 to September 6, 2026, the institution presents The Metamorphoses of Guernica , a virtual reality experience that invites visitors to rediscover Pablo Picasso's celebrated painting from an immersive and contemporary perspective.
Far from focusing solely on the artwork as an artistic object, the exhibition reconstructs its complex historical and symbolic trajectory. From its commission for the 1937 Paris International Exposition to its consolidation as a universal icon against war and violence, the virtual tour allows the viewer to traverse various key locations. These include the Spanish Republic Pavilion where it was first presented, the ruins of the Basque city of Gernika after the bombing that inspired the painting, and the Parisian studio of the Grands-Augustins, where the artist created the work.
The experience also traces the painting's many journeys throughout the 20th century until its final location at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, where it is currently housed. This journey, reconstructed using virtual reality technology, allows visitors to understand not only the work's aesthetic dimension but also its profound political and historical significance.
Driven by the team at the Parisian museum in collaboration with filmmaker Nicolas Thépot (Lucid Realities), the project combines academic research, documentary archives, and technological innovation. According to its president, Cécile Debray, this initiative reflects the desire to integrate into the exhibition a key work that, while not part of its permanent collections, is essential for understanding Picasso's career.
The narrative unfolds through two key voices: that of writer Juan Larrea, a member of the Spanish Republican delegation, and that of surrealist artist Dora Maar, Picasso's partner and a direct witness to the creative process. Their testimonies lend an intimate and political dimension to the story, underscoring the antifascist commitment that gave rise to the work and documenting its genesis through photographs and writings.
In dialogue with the museum's collections—which include preparatory studies, documents, and related works— The Metamorphoses of Guernica offers a new way of approaching a painting whose relevance continues to be renewed. In a context where its location remains a subject of debate, this immersive experience reaffirms the universal character of a work that transcends borders and continues to engage with the present.
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