Five great museums in Malaga

Malaga is an ever-developing city with millions spent by the council over the last ten years to enhance the cultural aspects of the city, it now rivals Barcelona and Madrid in terms of arty experience. The city boasts over thirty museums and has a multitude of galleries and exhibitions, ideal for a rainy day or just for something a little different.

Any trip to Malaga is best done when the streets are calmer so September and October are perfect for exploring. Here we look at five of our favourite cultural delights.

1. The Picasso Museum – Spread over twelve halls, the permanent exhibition includes numerous classic and famed paintings and is a lovely collection for novices, while aficionados will find enough to keep them engaged long after the visit. Beyond the artist’s more recognisable paintings, and pieces from his various stylistic periods, the permanent collection houses sketches, sculptures and ceramics. Three more temporary exhibit rooms round out the experience.

2. The Malaga Museum – Housing some 15,000 archaeological artefacts and more than 2,000 fine arts pieces, this comprehensive museum charts the city’s history from Prehistoric times up to modern day. There’s a rich collection of 19th century Spanish art, including all of the most important painters of the local Malaga school.

3. The Carmen Thyssen Museum – Comprising hundreds of works from the personal collection of Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, highlighting the various genres of 19th century Spanish art, from Francisco de Goya to Pablo Picasso. Included is a cannon of the most famous of Andalusian artists, such as Malaga’s own Felix Revello de Toro The Thyssen museum has been a must-see destination for lovers of Andalusian art since its opening in 2011.

4. The Flamenco Art Museum – Flamenco art runs deep in Andalusian veins and Malaga itself has an important historical relationship with the art form, in fact, the museum is one of the most important of its kind in all of Spain. The Flamenco Museum of Malaga houses a gathering of more than 5000 pieces, half of those comprising a historical collection of recordings dating to the 19th century, along with centuries old guitars, traditional garb representing the various Flamenco forms and Flamenco inspired art and photography.

5. The Contemporary Art Museum –  400 or so permanent works prominently feature some of the most memorable artists of the late 20th century with a focus on North American artists such as Lichtenstein and Stella. Expect quirky works here, and once you’ve had your fill, head into Malaga’s up and coming, artsy SOHO district characterised by its lively café culture.