An October for Picasso in Malaga 2023

Pablo Picasso only lived in Malaga for ten years of his nearly century-long life, but despite his short stay, the artist’s influence can be seen everywhere in the city. From the Picasso Museum to the Picasso-inspired souvenirs in the shops, Malaga and Picasso form an inseparable tandem.

Every year in October, special events celebrate his birthday (25th October) and the legacy of Picasso in Malaga. 2023 is the 142nd anniversary of his birth and also the 50th of his death. In addition, the Picasso Museum is 20 this year and celebrating in style (see below for details).

In this article, we look at to what’s on this year in honour of one of the world’s greatest artists.

Celebrating Picasso in Malaga with doves

And dozens of them. One of the main events in Malaga to mark Picasso’s birthday are the doves down the façade of his birthplace, known as the Casa Natal.

The design of the doves in 2023 has yet to be confirmed, but these multi-coloured paper creations from 2021 give you an idea. They also decorate key buildings around La Plaza de la Merced.

Look out for the flocks of doves between 21 October and 29 November.

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Other events celebrating Picasso in Malaga

This year’s programme of events celebrating Picasso’s birthday also a new exhibition, concerts and open doors at his birthplace: 

Open doors

The Casa Natal, recently completely revamped, has free entry all day on Wednesday 25 October (Picasso’s birthday) between 9am and 8pm. The house, built in the late 19th century has several rooms with memorabilia from Picasso’s family, his father’s art studio and photos from Malaga in 1881.

Free jazz concert

The Hot Swing Trio performs Jazz in Picasso’s Paris on Wednesday 25 October at 7pm at the Casa Natal. Free entry – get there early to be sure of a place.

Free theatre performance

Four actors and a musician perform fragments from Picasso’s last literary work, Count Orgaz’s Funeral on Saturday 28 October at the Casa Natal. Performances last 20 minutes and take place at 8, 8.30, 9 and 9.30pm. Free entry, but there’s only room for 15 people at a time, so get there early.

20th anniversary of the Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with several events based around the Picasso exhibitions at the museum. They include:

Free concerts on 27 October in Calle Alcazabilla

• A children’s choir perform at noon, with a programme designed for families.
• Two free concerts from 7pm onwards.

Free guided tours

These take place in English on 23 to 26 October and on 28 October, as follows:

Monday 23, Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 October

• Permanent collection – tour in English at 4pm.
• Temporary exhibition – tours in English at 10.30am and 5pm.

Saturday 28 October

• Permament collection – tour in English at 11am.
• Temporary exhibition – tour in English at noon.

Free entry to the museum

The museum also has open doors on Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October with free entry all day from 11am to 7pm (last entry at 6.30pm).

Year-round Picasso

During the rest of the year, you can find Picasso:

In the Plaza de la Merced on a bench outside his birthplace. He’s looking very relaxed – notice the flip flops.

In front of the Cervantes Theatre in the form of a mural depicting 6 portraits of him throughout his life. Look more closely and you’ll see that the entire mural is made up of words in several languages about Malaga. We think this is a really unusual way of celebrating Picasso’s creativity.

In the half hand, half dove sculpture in Calle Bolsa, off Calle Larios.

And of course at the Picasso Museum. The permanent collection walks you through his artistic life from first paintings to later ceramics, a great way to trace the changes in his style and influences. Open daily 11am to 7pm. €12.

Happy Birthday Picasso!