What's On at Europe's Museums

Picasso and the press

The Picasso Museum, Paris

He was an avid newspaper reader and political critic: Pablo Picasso produced a number of works, like “Le rève” (The dream), for major French dailies including Le Figaro, Le Journal and Excelsior. Around 170 paintings, sketches and manuscripts are on display as part of the exhibition “Picasso, Newspaper” at the Picasso Museum. The show emphasizes the importance of the press and newspapers as an object of art in Picasso’s work.

Daily until April 30 (except Tuesdays), 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes and colleagues

Museum of Fashion and Textiles, London

British designer Zandra Rhodes has opened her own fashion and textile museum in London. The first exhibition, entitled “My Favorite Dress,” displays the work of 70 top designers, including Vivienne Westwood, Vidal Sasson, Kaffe Fassett, Graham Smith and Biba. In addition to the exhibition, the museum also contains an impressive collection of 3,000 of Rhodes' own creations. The designer, who made dresses for Princess Diana, says the museum is the culmination of a dream: to display the best of international fashion and textile design.

Opens May 12, daily, 11 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. (closed Mondays)

Italian Cinema Divas

Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Turin

"Italian Cinema Divas" highlights some of Italy's best actresses at the National Film Museum in Turin. The exhibition spans the early days of cinema through today, showcasing 35 large-format photos of famous actresses like Claudia Cardinale, Anna Magnani, Stefanie Sandrelli and Silvana Mangani and 37 historic film posters. The show also screens classic moments of Italian cinema.

Through May 31, daily from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. (closed Mondays)

Pregnant Women

The National Gallery, London

People who turn squeamish by the sight of pregnant women should avoid London’s National Gallery -- they probably won't take kindly to Ron Mueck’s exhibition "Making Sculpture at the National Gallery." The larger than life-sized naked, pregnant woman makes for an eye-catching exhibition flyer. Fascinated by the topic of motherhood, the Australian sculptor's work includes figures like “Mother and Child” and “Wrapped Baby.” Using adobe covered in silicon or fiberglass to shape his works, Mueck gives close attention to detail, fingernails, pubic hair and all.

Through May 31, daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Michelangelo drawings

The Louvre, Paris

For the first time since 1975, the Louvre is exhibiting its collection of Michelangelo’s drawings, including sketches for works that have long since disappeared. Although the collection only represents a small portion of the completed works of this prolific Renaissance artist, it offers valuable insight into the master’s creative process.

Through June 23, daily from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 9:30 (closed Tuesdays)