Musee Picasso, View of the exterior (photo)

The Hotel Sale opening in September 1985 as the Musee Picasso. It was built by a salt-tax farmer, Pierre Aubert de Fontenay, around 1656. Financier, advisor and secretary to the king. Designed by Jean Boullier de Bourges. Completed in 1659. Sculpted decor including the main staircase designed by Gaspard and Balthazar Marsy and Martin Desjardins. In 1790 the house was sequestered and used during the French Revolution for storage. Sold in 1797 and owned by same family until 1962. From 1944 occupied by City of Paris Ecole des Metiers d'Art and acquired by the City in 1964; granted Historical Monument status in 1968; from 1974-70 building was restored; the decision to install the "dation Picasso" works donated in lieu of estate taxes was made in 1975 and transformed into a museum between 1979-85. Musee National Picasso inaugurated in October 1985