Tens of thousands of people have queued overnight in Paris for the final chance to see an exhibition of work by Picasso and the grand masters who inspired him.

18,000 tickets were snatched up online for the 83 hour non-stop viewing at the Grand Palais, with a further 30,000 sold on the door. The exhibition displays Picasso paintings alongside those of the masters who inspired him – from El Greco to Cezanne. 700,000 people have passed through the doors since it opened in October: “It is a way of reaching a different clientele, younger people or those coming on after going out for dinner or to the cinema. We want to attract people who might not normally come to an exhibition.” said one of the organisers. In total, there are 210 paintings on display, dating from the 16th century to 1971. As the queues built up, the organisers offered snacks and hot drinks to those waiting. They were still queuing at dawn. The exhibition is open until eight pm tonight whereupon it will finally close its doors for good.More about: Art, Exhibition, Painting

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