The old-world exterior of the Picasso Museum
Picasso’s artistic life spanned all corners of Spain and beyond. But it was in the southern Spanish city of Malaga where his world took shape, as this is not only where he was born, but where he truly got his artistic start. So Picasso lovers rejoice, because you’ll be able to get your fill of the internationally famous artist by visiting the city’s Picasso Museum.
Plans for this museum date back to the 1950s, although it wasn’t until 2003 that it finally opened its doors. Its galleries are located within Malaga’s 16th-century Buenavista Palace, which sits in the heart of the city’s historic center. The museum doesn’t just occupy the palace, though, but also several former homes that once formed part of the judería, or Jewish quarter. Making this happen of course required a massive structural undertaking, and in doing so revealed that the area sat atop a treasure trove of history, including Phoenician, Roman and Nasrid ruins – all which are on display in the museum’s basement.
If you love Picasso, though, then you’re probably not coming for the ruins, but instead the artist’s 285 pieces, all categorized and featured according to different themes. There’s more Picasso to be discovered here beyond the museum, too. Take in the surrounding neighborhood, as this is in fact where the painter grew up. Not only was he baptized in the nearby Santiago Church, but San Agustín Street is where he went to nursery school, and also where his father had an art studio, the site of some of Picasso’s very first paintings. More than all this, Picasso was actually born just steps away from his namesake museum, in Plaza de la Merced, where you can find and visit Casa Natal, the artist’s birthplace and first home.
Picasso’s part of town isn’t the only area that you’ll want to check out in Malaga — from the Alcazaba to the beach, there’s indeed a lot more to see. Get around town more easily, and learn as you go, by joining a Malaga hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a Malaga City Tour by Open-top Bus.
-Contributed by Erin Ridley
The Picasso Museum in Malaga from Andalucia & Costa del Sol Things to Do