GRECOTEL X ‘PABLO PICASSO: THE JOY OF LIFE’

Beyond an exhibition and above a cultural event with international impact, ‘Pablo Picasso: the Joy of Life’ is a personal, artistic and emotional tribute of extraordinary people, Paloma Picasso and Professor Nikolaos Stambolidis, to a remarkable place in the world: Ancient Eleftherna outside of Rethymno. It is rare to see in such an intimate way, the origins of a legend’s soul and creativity: 62 selected works of Pablo Picasso, most of them exhibited for the first time from Paloma Picasso’s personal collection, meet 24 antiquities from the Ancient Eleftherna Museum.   

The exhibition illuminates Pablo Picasso’s enticing fascination with the Greek mythology and fabled creatures such as the Cretan Minotaur, and how these left an indelible imprint on his work. Paloma Picasso, sparked by her late brother Claude’s love of Greece, collaborated closely with their friend, the Acropolis Museum Director Professor Stambolidis, and intuitively realized together his longtime vision: to illuminate Pablo Picasso’s works and inspirations in a discourse with ancient masterpieces, nurturing a wondrous dialogue with the Greek identity and historical heritage at its core.

‘The Joy of Life’, captures the light, animals, nature, mythical creatures and optimism and invites every visitor to a captivating journey. Its essense is about the emotional connection and the spiritual quality that the exhibition’s creators deliberately shared in this exhibition, placing Ancient Eleftherna and Rethymno to eminence. 

Grecotel’s generous contribution has been integral for nearly 40 years to the excavations of Ancient Eleftherna and the creation of its Museum. Fervently committed to Professor Stambolidis’ tireless efforts, Nikos and Mari Daskalantonakis and the Grecotel people, embraced his exquisite vision with their means, energy and support.

At Grecotel, we feel privileged to be part of the ‘Pablo Picasso: the Joy of Life’ universe. Proud to engage in every aspect of the organization. Proud to host in our hotels in Rethymno, the Grecotel motherland, Paloma Picasso, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Queen Sofía of Spain and remarkable guests from all over the world and share with them our authentic hospitality spirit, effusing warmth and injecting personality to our service.

We are grateful to transmit emotions and receive an honest recognition for our genuine spirit and meaningful philoxenia. And above all, grateful to have shared this poetic experience, filled with wonder and substance along the way

Grecotel X ‘Pablo Picasso: the Joy of Life’ goes full circle: there is a deep root and exceptional bond between Grecotel and Pablo Picasso. The Minotaur restaurant at Amirandes, where original Picasso ceramics from his Madoura collection are on display since 2013, is inspired by the artist’s admiration of the mythical Cretan creature.

Paloma Picasso, a unique creative force herself, chose to stay at THE DOLLI in Athens, where an exceptional painting of her father sits along with ceramics of Jean Cocteau, honoring their friendship. She experienced the original Cretan heart and flair at the Agreco farm. She dined at Minotaur and stayed at Amirandes, roused with enthusiasm and sensed the cordial conviviality, like a member of our Cretan family.  

Dedicated to always celebrate 'The Joy of Life’ with our people and our guests, we invite you to view the exhibition and let it touch your hearts. At the Ancient Eleftherna Museum, where the sacred history of Crete meets the magnificent art of Pablo Picasso, until October 2oth  2024.


Staying in Grecotel Hotels & Resorts in Crete? Get in touch with the front desk to learn about our exclusive ‘Pablo Picasso: the Joy of Life’ experience.