“Picasso in Tehran” exhibition unveils rare masterpieces in Iran

Organizers anticipate international attention, positioning Tehran as a growing destination for high-profile art exchanges

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) in Iran has launched “Picasso in Tehran,” a landmark exhibition showcasing 66 works from its prestigious collection that highlight Pablo Picasso’s artistic journey.

Among the highlights are 26 aquatint prints from “La Tauromaquia” (The Art of Bullfighting, 1957), a rare series reflecting Picasso’s Spanish heritage and printmaking brilliance, according to Iran’s Mehr News.   

Nadereh Rezai, a visitor, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized the evolving role of museums, “Museums are no longer static archives. With sustained collaboration, we aspire to bring more groundbreaking narratives to Iranian audiences.” 

She praised Picasso’s enduring influence, noting how his innovations transcended eras, and expressed hope that the exhibition would inspire future showcases of Iran’s own contemporary art.  

Spanish Ambassador Antonio Sánchez-Benedito Gaspar, hailing from Picasso’s birthplace, Málaga, celebrated the artist’s revolutionary impact.

“Picasso redefined 20th-century art through Cubism, collage, and beyond. His work, like Guernica, conveyed profound anti-war messages, merging artistry with activism”, the ambassador said.

The ambassador also highlighted the diplomatic significance of the exhibition, expressing optimism for deeper Iran-Spain cultural ties.  

The carefully curated selection spans Picasso’s seven-decade career, offering Iranian audiences a rare glimpse into his experimental techniques and political engagement. 

The inclusion of La Tauromaquia—a series of 33 etchings by Francisco Goya, published in 1816, deeply tied to Spanish culture—adds a layer of cross-cultural dialogue.  

The exhibition underscores TMoCA’s pivotal role in bridging global art movements with Iran’s vibrant cultural scene.