1 Picasso for 100 euros: A French idea that finances hope

A real Picasso – for 100 euros. Sounds like “too good to be true” at first. And that’s exactly why you get stuck. In France, however, this promotion actually exists: “1 Picasso 100 euros”.

Behind this is a cleverly constructed fundraising format: many people give a manageable amount, one person wins the work of art – and the money collected together goes towards a clearly defined charitable goal. The third edition of the campaign is currently underway. And this one is exciting because it shows how attention can be translated in such a way that in the end not only headlines remain – but real support.

The idea behind it: Donate, but with a little sparkle

The principle is quickly explained: you buy a ticket online for 100 euros. This enters you into the draw for Picasso’s “Tête de Femme” at Christie’s in Paris on April 14, 2026. The painting is a gouache on paper (opaque watercolor on paper) with an estimated value of around 1 million euros. The painting is a portrait of the photographer and painter Dora Maar, who was Picasso’s partner for many years. Picasso painted the picture entitled “Frauenkopf” in 1941.

A total of 120,000 lots are to be sold internationally. The entire amount donated will go to the French Alzheimer’s research organization Fondation Recherche Alzheimer in France. The proceeds will be used over several years to support international research projects that link teams across national borders.

The “thrill” is the chance to win, but the foundation is the donation. There have already been two previous auctions—and those, too, had clearly defined charitable goals. In 2013, the focus was on Tyros in Lebanon: The proceeds were used to support a crafts village designed to preserve traditional craft techniques while also providing jobs, training, and local economic benefits. In 2020, water and sanitation projects run by the aid organization CARE were funded.

Tickets & Infos: https://1picasso100euros.com/