The Costa del Sol is not just about delicious food, stunning beaches and incredible weather, it is also a brilliant spot for discovering some great culture and art. It is no surprise really, given the many artists who were born, settled or sojourned in the area. If you are looking for a cultural getaway to the Costa del Sol, you simply cannot miss this selection of the best museums in Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
1. Museo Picasso Malaga
Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and as a result, it offers all kinds of cultural centres and activities dedicated to him. At Museo Picasso Malaga, you can view the artist’s best work, combined with interesting temporary exhibitions. La Colección, which counts approximately 285 pieces, was given to the gallery by the artist’s inheritors.
2. Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga
Situated in Palacio de Villalón, a 16th century building located in the historic centre of Malaga, Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga is another one of those must visit museums. The museum’s permanent collection includes work by 19th century Spanish artists such as Andalusian painters like Diego de Regoyos, Zurbarán and Julio Romero de Torres. Temporary exhibitions are also at the gallery and it frequently organises all kinds of educational and cultural activities.
3. Museo de Malaga
Museo de Malaga is Andalusia’s largest museum and the fifth biggest in Spain. It is situated in the historic Palacio de la Aduana, a neoclassical building which was constructed in the 18th century. The fine art section is a highlight of the museum with its pieces by incredible Spanish artists such as Murillo, Luis de Morales, Velázquez, Alonso Cano, Goya and Zurbarán. The best part? Entrance to the museum is free to all citizens of the European Union.
4. Centre Pompidou Malaga
One of the greatest places to get your culture fix is the Centre Pompidou Malaga, where you can marvel at work by amazing artists such as Picasso and Miró. Inaugurated in 2015, Centre Pompidou de Malaga was the initial branch of the Parisian instituion to open outside of France. The collections provide a journey through the art of the 20th and 21st centuries with works selected from one of the most important contemporary and modern art collections in the world. The gallery is situated in the original El Cubo building in Malaga, in Muelle Uno, a shopping centre at the Malaga port.
5. Museo Ruso de Malaga
Museo Ruso de Malaga has become the ultimate place to discover Russian culture outside of the country. Situated in the Tobacco Factory, the museum showcases work by the great names of Russian art from all periods, namely the avant gardes Kandinsky, Chagall, Malévich, Filónov and Goncharova in addition to lesser known through just as wonderful 19th century artists. The collections will immerse you in the history and culture of Russia.
6. Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda
Also situated in the former Tobacco Factory, El Museo Automovilístico is home to an amazing private collection of automobiles by famous brands such as Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Jaguar, among others. There is also a section of the museum which is dedicated to the fashion world, with a large collection of vintage clothes by amazing designers, such as Givenchy, Chanel, Prada and Balmain.
7. Ifergan Collection
Ifergan Collection is an archaeological gallery that will take you back to the dawn of time. Exceptional pieces are on display from mythical Mesopotamia through the birth of Islam, passing through Greece, Egypt, Rome, Byzantium and Persia. A highlight of the museum is the Egyptian mummy from the 18th dynasty.
8. El Museo de las Miniaturas (Mijas)
You just have to visit the Museo de Miniatures in Carromato de Max during your time in Mijas. The objects in the museum were discovered during the travels of Professor Max, who was a hypnotist. The museum is home to the largest collection of the tiniest things in the world. Leonardo da Vinci’s last supper is painted on a grain of rice, there are preserved fleas wearing clothes and a ballet dancer carved into a toothpick to name a few of the works you can discover here.
9. Museo Ralli in Marbella
Situated in Marbella, Museo Ralli has works from many famous European artists such as Dalí, Miró, Giorgio de Chirico and many others. The tastes of the founder are still very present in this crucial collection of avant garde and contemporary art. Entrance is free of charge.
10. Museo del Bandolero (Ronda)
The town of Ronda opened the Museo del Bandolero in a means to shine a light on the cultural phenomenon that once thrived in Andalusia: brigandage. The museum has a collection of objects, books, documents, weapons, clothing and other fascinating pieces about the brigands who made Serranía de Ronda the epicentre of their work as a result of the topography of the mountains.
Conclusion
We hope that this overview of some of the best museums in Malaga and the Costa del Sol has encouraged you to take the leap. Most cultural centres put on special activities for children and adults, making it easy to enjoy some quality family time while soaking in the art and culture.
