The Picasso Museum in the Marais quarter of Paris, France, has closed its doors to the public for the next two years while it undergoes an extensive renovation.

Doubling the amount of exhibition space available in the 17th century mansion to more than 2,000sq m (21,500sq ft) will allow the current display of only 300 works of art to be expanded to include a more of the museum's 5,000-strong collection.

The visitor area will also be remodelled to improve the educational aspect for families and to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.

The museum, which attracts half a million visitors each year, will reopen in February 2012.