Pablo Picasso was fascinated by performers and their ability to transform. He was inspired by the dancers, entertainers and bullfighters he painted. He borrowed from them to create his own public persona: Picasso, the Artist.
Marking the centenary of his famous painting The Three Dancers, this exhibition, staged by celebrated contemporary artist Wu Tsang and author and curator Enrique Fuenteblanca, sheds new light on Picasso’s work. They will transform the exhibition space into a theatre for displaying over 45 works by Picasso from Tate's collection, alongside key European loans. This includes paintings, sculpture, textile and works on paper, some never seen in the UK before.
Through his persona, Picasso cultivated a myth surrounding himself as both a celebrated artist and an outsider. The way that he did this can be examined through the contemporary idea of ‘performativity’ - how words and actions can effect change and form identity. This persona was always fascinated by alternative lives and the tension between popular culture and the avant-garde. It accompanied him throughout his life and continues to shape how we imagine the role of the artist today.
Theatre Picasso is presented in The George Economou Gallery. In partnership with White & Case. Also supported by the Huo Family Foundation. With additional support from the Theatre Picasso Exhibition Supporters Circle, Tate Americas Foundation and Tate Members.
Staged by Wu Tsang and Enrique Fuenteblanca with the collaboration of exhibition designer Lucie Rebeyrol from the studio Roll.
Pablo Picasso Nude Woman in a Red Armchair 1932 Tate Purchased 1953 © Succession Picasso/DACS 2025
Pablo Picasso The Painter and his Model Musée national Picasso-Paris 2025 MP96 © Succession Picasso/DACS 2025
Pablo Picasso L'Acrobate 1930 Lent by Musée Picasso, Antibes 2025 © Succession Picasso/DACS 2025
Pablo Picasso Weeping Woman1937 Tate Accepted by HM Government in lieu of tax with additional payment (Grant-in-Aid) made with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund and the Friends of the Tate Gallery 1987 © Succession Picasso/DACS 2025
Pablo Picasso Figure: Projet pour un monument à Guillaume Apollinaire 1928 Lent by Musée national Picasso-Paris 2025 © Succession Picasso/DACS 2025
Find out more about the Theatre Picasso exhibition with our exhibition guide.
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11 April 2026 at 18.00–22.30
£72.50 / £57.50 for Members
Join us for a last-chance evening exploring Theatre Picasso through a conservator’s lens followed by a French bistro-style dinner
The evening opens with a talk by Charity Fox, paper conservator, centred on Picasso's Bottle of Vieux Marc, Glass, Guitar and Newspaper (1913). Through realia, replicas and re-enactment, Charity reveals how Picasso's collaged materials change in appearance over time and what this tells us about his working process.
Drawing on her conservation research and hands-on replication of Picasso's techniques, Charity brings the artwork into sharp focus, in the process illuminating the moment of the artwork’s genesis
This talk sets the context for your visit to Theatre Picasso, allowing guests to encounter the artwork immediately afterwards.
The evening concludes with a French bistro-style dinner in our L6 Restaurant. With dessert, Marc will be served alongside a short talk by aclaimed wine writer David Williams, exploring the cultural significance of Marc and its appearance within Picasso's work.
Theatre Picasso and Lunch
Make a day of it. See Theatre Picasso and enjoy a two-course lunch in the Level 6 Restaurant afterwards. With one of the best restaurant views in London and a modern British menu, it’s a simple way to plan ahead and get more from your visit.
£47* for the exhibition and two courses from the à la carte menu
Available daily until 26 February with 11.15, 12.00, 12.45 or 13.30 exhibition entry, followed by lunch. From 27 February available with 11.15 exhibition entry only.
Served 12.00-15.00
To Start
Burrata, rhubarb, pomegranate, pistachio
Pork & duck rillettes, thyme croutes & cornichons
Beetroot, vegan feta, pickled carrot (V)
Mains
Roast chicken, sprouting broccoli, anchovy aioli, salsa verde
Pumpkin tortellini, black cabbage, sage (V)
Haddock goujons, tartare sauce, lemon
Desserts
Spiced pear crumble, vanilla ice cream (V)
Basque cheesecake, blackberry compote
Cherry bakewell tart, crème fraîche
You can also book separately for the bar menu via our Restaurant page.
*£54 from 27 February 2026. A discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill
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To help plan your visit to Tate Modern, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
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