The Museum of Mechanical Music has just added a unique piece to its collection: Pablo Picasso’s Mechanical Piano! Fully restored and in perfect working order, discover its incredible history as told by Denis Bouchet, president of the Les Gets Mechanical Music Association.
Pablo Picasso, who claimed, ‘I don’t like music,’ owned an astonishing mechanical piano. This unique piano orchestra was purchased in the 1950s in Vallauris, in the café next to his villa. Much more than just an instrument, it embodies the unexpected intersection between mechanical modernity and the artistic sensibility of one of the greatest geniuses of the 20th century.
A one-of-a-kind instrument
This mechanical piano, built in the 1920s, was displayed in the living room of his home, ‘La Galloise,’ for seven years.
Manufactured by Manufacture Nallino in Nice, this mechanical piano is a veritable miniature orchestra capable of playing ten tunes after turning a crank that winds up a spring. This object, both playful and sophisticated, was part of the painter’s daily life in his family home, enlivening his villa and entertaining his daughter Maya.
A major restoration
In February 2024, this exceptional piano was auctioned off and acquired by the association. Its acquisition was made possible thanks to the support of a patron, enabling its restoration and entry into the Museum.
A meticulous restoration campaign was then launched between Isère, Doubs and Ain, mobilising specialists in the field to restore the instrument. After several months of work, the piano regained its original splendour, while retaining most of its original features.
A new life at the Museum
On 26 June 2025, the piano officially joined the collections of the Musée de la Musique Mécanique des Gets, completing its collection of over 1,000 automated instruments. It is on display in the Cabaret room, accompanied by a photograph of Picasso posing proudly in front of the instrument. Now restored, it works again: just turn the crank to hear it play, just as it did in the days of its illustrious owner.
A prestigious piece in the Museum’s collection, celebrated for its provenance
Picasso’s mechanical piano was the highlight of the Museum’s flagship event, ‘Le Musée en fête’ (The Museum Celebrates), on 19 and 20 July 2025, on the theme of ‘Mechanical Music and Drawing’, attended by the Vice-President of the Senate, Loic Hervé, and the Member of Parliament for the 6th constituency of Haute-Savoie, Xavier Roseren. On this occasion, the restorers shared the behind-the-scenes story of its rebirth, and the instrument featured prominently on the official poster, illustrated by Félix Meynet, an author who created a comic strip for the occasion entitled ‘Pour une Ballade Mécanique aux Gets’ (For a Mechanical Ballad in Les Gets). Picasso’s granddaughter, Diane, was unable to attend the public presentation, but sent a message expressing her delight that her grandfather’s piano was now in good hands.
The Museum of Mechanical Music is open all year round. Admire its unique collection of over 1,000 working instruments. Welcome by members of the Mechanical Music Association, discover one of the monuments of Guêtes’ cultural heritage.