Malaga, the most exciting museums
Multicultural Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol receives millions of tourists every year and is one of the oldest cities in world boasting traditional monuments such as La Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, as well as beautiful beaches, lush tropical gardens and offers excellent gastronomy. In recent years the city has undergone a rebranding process, and has become a city brimming with culture. Museums, galleries, art exhibitions on the streets… Picasso’s hometown has everything from medieval to contemporary art, which makes it a very competitive European destination attracting even more visitors. Today there are over 30 museums located in Málaga and Marbella Unique Properties is pleased to recommend the most unique, each of them an ideal destination for a day trip whilst visiting The Costa del Sol.
THE PICASSO “CASA NATAL” – PICASSO’S BIRTH PLACE MUSEUM
Located in “Plaza de la Merced” in Málaga, only a short distance from the “Museo Picasso Málaga” the second of the two galleries dedicated to the life and works of Pablo Picasso, the most important artist of the 20th century and one of the most famous Spanish painters of all times. Casa Nadal the building where Picasso was born and spent his childhood, and the tour of the house includes in its visit several rooms with original objects, family memorabilia and where Picasso’s art is on display. At the same time, the birthplace of the famous painter is also the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation who have created an art collection of over four thousand items including Picasso’s drawings, graphics and ceramics works, as well as selection of photographs depicting the final years of the painter’s life.
MUSEO PICASSO MÁLAGA
Soon after its opening in 2003, it became the most visited museum in Málaga. Picasso’s desire to have an exhibition in his home town was made possible by his grandson and his wife who provided the largest part of the collection, now on exhibition in the “Palacio de Buenavista”. The collection of 233 artworks distributed throughout 11 rooms, is a journey through the 80 years of the artist’s work. Among these we would like to highlight some his most famous, including “Mother and child”, “Composition”, “Acrobat” and “Woman with raised arms”.
CARMEN THYSSEN MUSEUM MÁLAGA
Whilst the famous Thyssen family’s art collection has been on display in its Madrid museum, the personal art collection of Carmen Thyssen, the third wife of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza has been on display in Málaga since 2011, in “Palacio de Vilalón” in the heart of Málaga city. The permanent collection, comprising of 230 works, covers the history of 19th century Spanish art, and features the most complete collection of 19th century Andalusian paintings currently existing in Spain.
CENTRE POMPIDOU MÁLAGA
This is the first branch of the original Parisian art gallery located outside France. The center, inaugurated in 2015 is located in Malaga Port, in the modern cube shaped building made of steel and coloured glass named “El Cubo”. The Cube of Málaga offers its visitors a journey through art of the 20th and 21st centuries, consisting of pieces selected by the Pompidou Centre, which boasts the biggest collection of modern and contemporary art in the world. This tour through the history of art, is periodically renowned along with several temporary exhibitions.
THE CONTEMPORARY ART CENTRE OF MÁLAGA (CAC)
Located in Malaga’s Soho, Malagas arts area, next to Málagas Port, characterized by sprawling murals, with bustling art and café scenes. This unique and dynamic museum opened in 2003 with importance to teaching and wide spreading of contemporary art, offering seminars and courses allowing participants to increase their knowledge about contemporary art. The museum is a pioneer on the Spanish art scene, by hosting exhibitions by artists who previously haven’t exhibited in Spain.
RUSSIAN STATE MUSEUM ST. PETERSBURG/MÁLAGA
The first European city to open the Russian State Museum was Málaga in 2015. The museum is situated in the former tobacco factory building called “La Tabacalera”. The space of 2.300m2 holds one permanent and two temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition is divided into nine thematic areas: Old Russian art, 18th century, Romanticism in Russia, Realism, Realism with Russian topics, the movement of “World of Art” and Neoprimitivism, Avant-garde, Socialist Realism and art in the Melting era (after Stalin). The museum offers the chance to admire works of extremely well-known artists such as Repin, Kandinsky o Chagall, amongst many others.
MUSEUM OF GLASS AND CRYSTALWARE IN MÁLAGA
One of the most exquisite and unique museums in Málaga, located in a restored 18th century palace with amazing decoration and furniture, harmonizing beautifully with the period from which the pieces of the exhibition derive. The private collection contains over 3.000 pieces of glass and crystal from a variety of different cultures and time periods including ancient Egypt, Roman, Venetian and the Muslim world.