Museo Carmen Thyssen houses one of the world’s finest Andalusian art collections.
Maybe you’re heading to Malaga for the beaches and sunshine –- but really you should come for the museums. From galleries filled with artwork by world-famous artists to unexpectedly awesome exhibits that make up some of the city’s most intriguing stops, Malaga’s top museums shouldn’t be missed.
Museo Automovilístico de Malaga
Not into cars? Not so fast. This museum is so much more than just automobiles; it’s art and fashion too. But first those cars: The galleries, which are situated in an early 20th-century tobacco factory building, house over 90 modern and vintage autos, spanning a collection that boasts carriage-style Belle Epoques to ’50s dream cars and even modern-day pimped out rides. And the museum goes beyond cars, featuring funky art, along with exhibits of vintage hats and suitcases from renowned designers including Balenciaga, Chanel and Dior. Indeed, no matter your age, gender or level of passion for cars, you’ll probably find something to love about this super-cool space.
Museum of Glass and Crystal
Here’s another unexpected museum gem in the heart of Malaga — and again, don’t be fooled by the name, because this place isn’t just about breakable glassware. For starters, it’s situated in a private 18th-century palatial home, which is fully furnished with period-appropriate pieces (think ornate rugs, fancy gilt-framed paintings and plush couches), thus transporting visitors back in history. Then there’s all that glass and crystal — some 3,000 pieces — ranging from vases to stained-glass and chandeliers. A visit to this decadent space is well worth it for the wander but also because entry comes with a docent-guided tour, making the whole experience that much more rewarding.
Museo Picasso Malaga
There’s perhaps no better place to get acquainted with Picasso than in Malaga, as this is his hometown. And it’s here that you can visit his namesake museum, checking out some 285 of his works, all situated in the 16th-century Buenavista Palace, which occupies several homes that once formed part of the city’s Jewish Quarter. Visit the Museo Picasso Malaga any day, or peruse the galleries for free by stopping by on the last Sunday of any given month. And, if you’re keen to explore more about Picasso, don’t pass up visiting yet another Malaga museum: the Museo Casa Natal Picasso. This is the birthplace of Picasso, and is located just down the street from the art museum.
Museo Carmen Thyssen
If you’ve heard of or been to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, then you’ll surely by intrigued by this one of similar name in Malaga. This museum belongs to Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza — as the name implies — and displays some of her most prized pieces, ranging from the 13th to 20th centuries, and making up one of the world’s finest Andalusian art collections. And the venue is pretty impressive, too, as the Museo Carmen Thyssen is partially housed in a 16th-century Baroque palace atop Roman ruins, making more than just the artwork worth checking out.
- Contributed by Erin Ridley
Malaga’s Best Museums from Andalucia & Costa del Sol Things to Do