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Frequently asked questions

These are answers to questions specifically about Picasso: masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris.

For general information about visiting the Gallery, including access and facilities, see:

  1. What is different about tickets to this exhibition?
  2. Why are tickets timed and dated?
  3. What are the dates for the exhibition?
  4. What are the hours for the exhibition?
  5. How do I buy a ticket?
  6. Can I buy a ticket on the day I visit?
  7. How much do tickets cost?
  8. Who can buy concession or family tickets?
  9. What about companion card holders?
  10. Do members receive any benefits?
  11. What is the student rush offer?
  12. What is Lunch & Picasso?
  13. What is High Tea & Picasso?
  14. What if I am late?
  15. Can I enter more than once with my ticket?
  16. Do I need a ticket for the rest of the Gallery?
  17. How do I redeem an untimed ticket or gift voucher?
  18. Can I see this exhibition elsewhere in Australia?
  19. How long does it take to view the exhibition?
  20. Is there a program of events?
  21. Is there a film with the exhibition?
  22. Is there a catalogue?
  23. Are there tours?
  24. Can I take photographs, sketch or paint?

What is different about tickets to this exhibition?

Each ticket specifies a date and time for entering the exhibition with a limited capacity per session. You select this date and time when buying your ticket. The ticket indicates a 30-minute window for entering the exhibition (beginning on the hour and half-hour). Once you have entered you can take as long as you like to enjoy the exhibition during normal operating hours.

Why are tickets timed and dated?

We expect this exhibition will be one of the most popular in recent history and we want to ensure your visit is not one of long queues and waiting times. Timed tickets are necessary to ensure the exhibition doesn’t become overly crowded.

What are the dates for the exhibition?

The exhibition is open to the general public from Saturday 12 November 2011 to Sunday 25 March 2012, except Christmas Day (Sunday 25 December) when the entire Gallery is closed.

What are the hours for the exhibition?

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
10am until 5pm. Last session 4pm.

Wednesdays
10am until 10pm (an extension of the normal Art After Hours closing). Last session 9pm.

Saturdays, Sundays
9am (premium tickets) or 10am (general public) until 5pm. Last session 4pm. Except as listed below.
From 14 January, until 7pm on Saturdays. Last session 6pm.
On Saturday 17 & 24 March, until midnight. Last session 11pm. See Picasso till midnight

How do I buy a ticket?

Tickets can be bought through Ticketek, either through the Ticketek website or by calling 132 849 or by visiting a Ticketek office.

Stay & See® packages are available. Visit showbiz.com.au/picasso or call 1300 4 SHOWS.

Education groups from primary to tertiary can receive a special student rate and visit during exclusive early-entry timeslots by booking directly through the Gallery’s Education and Public Programs Office.

A special student rush offer is available at the Gallery (see below).

Tickets to this exhibition will not be sold through the Gallery’s regular exhibition ticketing website.

Can I buy a ticket on the day I visit?

Only if there are tickets available. The Gallery strongly encourages visitors to purchase tickets in advance from Ticketek as capacity is limited and times and dates will sell out.

How much do tickets cost?

$25 adult; $15 member; $18 concession; $65 family (2 adults and up to 3 children). Transaction fees apply. Group discounts for ten people or more, premium tickets, and packages are also available: see Ticketek for details.

Stay & See® packages vary in price: see showbiz.com.au/picasso for details.

$7 per student in education groups booked through the Gallery’s Education and Public Programs Office.

Who can buy concession or family tickets?

The following people are eligible for concession entry to exhibitions and events at the Gallery. Valid ID must be presented on entry or at time of purchase.

  • Children aged 5 to 15
  • Full-time students aged over 15 (including high school, TAFE, university and international students, with a valid student card,)
  • Holders of seniors cards issued by any Australian state or territory government
  • Pension cardholders (including disability support, aged)
  • Centrelink cardholders
  • Veterans Affairs cardholders
  • Members of AAGO (Association of Australian Gallery Guiding Organisations), Museums Australia, National Art Collection Fund (UK) or NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts)
  • Members of the National Gallery of Australia or any other state gallery within Australia

Members of the Art Gallery of NSW are eligible for a special members price.

Children under 5 do not need a ticket.

The family ticket is for two adults and up to three children. Children must be of school age and may be asked to present a valid student card at exhibition entrance. Separate tickets need to be purchased for additional adults/children. Although college and university students are eligible for concession entry if they have valid current student ID, they are not eligible for the child concession component of a family ticket.

What about companion card holders?

A carer or person who supports a visitor with disability or frailty is admitted free on presentation of a companion card. Please see staff at the ticketing and membership desk on the Gallery’s ground level (members priority queue).

The visitor you are assisting will need to buy a concession entry, and we strongly suggest that this is bought in advance through Ticketek so as to guarantee entry for the chosen day and time.

Do members receive any benefits?

Members pay a discounted price of $15 – a saving of $10 off the normal adult price. They are also invited to free members viewings on Friday 11 November from 1 to 5pm or on Sunday 13 November from 5.15 to 8pm.

There will be a members priority queue at the ticketing and membership desk on the ground level if you need to buy your ticket at the Gallery, although we strongly recommend advance purchase through Ticketek.

You can become a member at the Gallery by visiting the members lounge located on lower level 3 or join online. As well as other benefits, new members will receive a free ticket to the exhibition: see Become a member.

What is the student rush offer?

A special two-for-one ticket offer is available for full-time and part-time students.

  • Monday to Friday only, for entry between 3pm and 4pm.
  • Tickets must be bought at the Gallery ticketing desk and are subject to availability.
  • Two valid student cards must be shown.
  • The total charge for these two special-offer concession tickets will be $18 (no transaction fee).
  • Offer is NOT available online.

What is Lunch & Picasso?

There are a limited number of Lunch & Picasso ticket packages, offering a two-course lunch and glass of wine at the Gallery restaurant at noon, 12.30pm, 1pm & 1.30pm daily.

The time you choose is for your lunch reservation. You can visit the exhibition at any time that day, either before or after lunch. You will receive an exhibition ticket, which indicates the time of your lunch reservation, as well as a voucher for presentation at the restaurant.

Main course is a choice between:

  • Spanish mackerel, braised pimento, cuttlefish and fava beans
  • twice-cooked pork belly, heritage carrot, olives and orange salad, sherry jelly
  • pearl barley and wild mushroom arroz, zucchini flower, Murcia al Vino

Dessert is a choice between:

  • traditional crema catalana
  • saffron flan, spiced poached figs, warm chocolate almond cake
  • Spanish cheese selection, quince paste

The wine is aura rueda verdejo (white) or campo viejo crianze (red).

The cost is $75. Bookings are through Ticketek

What is High Tea & Picasso?

There are a limited number of High Tea & Picasso ticket packages, offering high tea at the Gallery restaurant at 2, 2.30 and 3pm daily.

The time you choose is for your high tea reservation. You can visit the exhibition at any time that day, either before or after. You will receive an exhibition ticket, which indicates the time of your high tea reservation, as well as a voucher for presentation at the restaurant.

High tea includes:

  • jamon serrano and manchego cheese sandwich
  • Spanish roasted vegetable sandwich with romenesco
  • gazpacho
  • bacalo cigars
  • fennel and orange marinated olives
  • magdalenas (lemon-flavoured tea cakes)
  • turrón (Spanish nougat)
  • churros and chocolate
  • coffee or tea

The cost is $55. Bookings are through Ticketek

What if I am late?

With timed tickets, if you miss your 30-minute timeslot for entry, please go to the ticketing and membership desk on ground level. Staff will try to place you in the next available session; however, the Gallery cannot guarantee availability.

Can I enter more than once with my ticket?

No. Each ticket is valid for a single entry only.

Do I need a ticket for the rest of the Gallery?

No. The Art Gallery of NSW is free to visit, with the exception of some special exhibitions.

How do I redeem an untimed ticket or gift voucher?

A small number of untimed and undated tickets will be issued (eg gift vouchers or tickets for new members who join the Gallery). If you have one of these tickets, please see staff in the waiting area on the Gallery’s ground level. You’ll be admitted to the next available session; there may be a waiting period.

Can I see this exhibition elsewhere in Australia?

No. The Art Gallery of NSW is the only venue for this exhibition in Australia.

How long does it take to view the exhibition?

The estimated average length of a visit is 90 minutes.

Is there a program of events?

Yes. See Picasso-related events for details.

Is there a film with the exhibition?

Gallery visitors can watch an excerpt (under 15 minutes) of the film Visit to Picasso (Visite à Picasso) in a special screening area off the main entrance court. This will screen continually during exhibition opening hours. No ticket is required. Limited seating available.

The full-length film by Belgian director Paul Haesaerts (1950, 21 mins, black-and-white) will screen in the Domain Theatre on 19 November and 3 December 2011 as part of our free film program. See Picasso goes to the movies for details.

Is there a catalogue?

Yes. An exhibition catalogue is sold through the Gallery Shop, both at the Gallery and online

Are there tours?

Podcasts will be available free online, which can be downloaded onto your own MP3 player before you visit or accessed via a smartphone. Please bring headphones if you plan to listen to the podcast inside the exhibition. Audio devices will not be available for hire at the Gallery, although a limited number are available for visitors with special needs.

There are no guided tours of the exhibition. However, premium ticket holders viewing the exhibition from 9am on weekends have access to guides to inform you about the works on display.

In other parts of the Art Gallery of NSW, there will be free guided tours of works from our collection that are influenced by Picasso.

Can I take photographs, sketch or paint?

No. Photography is not permitted in the exhibition due to copyright restrictions, and sketching or painting is not allowed so as to protect the artworks and not impinge on other visitors.