Guide to Malaga museums
Malaga has over 30 museums and in 2017, rebranded itself as the ‘City of Museums’. This Malaga Museums Guide gives information on the biggest and best. We’ve included the essentials about each museum and why you should visit.
You’ll also find a map locating all the museums in Malaga at the bottom of this post.
Art at Malaga Museums
This is easily the longest section in our Malaga Museum Guide because if there’s something that Malaga excels at its art. Here’s a list of the main art museums in Malaga (in alphabetical order):
ARS Málaga
What’s in it: Housed in the Bishop’s Palace next to the main façade of the Cathedral, this museum was taken over by the local Unicaja Foundation in late 2019. It typically houses temporary exhibitions.
Why go: You fancy a sneak peek at the inside of this lovely ocre building – don’t miss the central patio or the gardens.
Suitable for children: Not really. They’re better off running round the square outside.
Where: Plaza del Obispo.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am-2pm & 4-7pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
Admission: €3
More info: website (in Spanish only)
CAC Malaga
What’s in it: Lots of contemporary art, often by cutting-edge artists. Interesting permanent collection plus several temporary exhibits including videos and installations.
Why go: Some of the world’s top artists exhibit here and CAC often includes interesting retrospectives of their art.
Suitable for children: not really unless they’re budding artists. That said, there’s lots of room to run about outside on the pedestrian esplanade so you could take it in turns to visit while someone stays outside with the kids.
Where: Calle Alemania
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-8pm. 23 June to 7 September, Tues to Sun 9am-2pm & 5-9:30pm.
Admission: Free
More info: Museum website
Carmen Thyssen Museum
What’s in it: Part of the giant Thyssen art collection with the focus on 19th century Spanish art. Good temporary exhibitions of world-class art works and objects.
Why go: The art gives an insight into Spanish life not so very long ago and the temporary exhibitions are always interesting. And don’t forget to take in the museum space itself – exquisitely carved ceilings and a lovely central patio are the highlights.
Suitable for children: Not really. Lots of lovely gifts for kids in the museum shop though!
Where: Calle Compañía 10
Opening times: Tues – Sun 10am-8pm
Admission: €6 permanent collection, €4 temporary. €9 combined ticket
More info: Read our dedicated post on this museum.
Jorge Rando Museum
What’s in it: Paintings by the modern artist Jorge Rando, originally from Malaga, in the Expressionist style. Permanent exhibition plus regular temporary exhibits, usually themed around his latest work.
Why go: You like modern art that makes a statement. Rando has lots to say and his paintings rarely sit on the fence. Excellent free activities – don’t miss the summer concerts in the courtyard.
Suitable for children: Not really.
Where: Calle Cruz del Molinillo 12, to the north of the old quarter. 10 minutes’ walk from Calle Larios.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm, June to September Monday to Friday 10am-2pm & 5-9pm. Saturday 10am-2pm.
Admission: Free
More info: Museum website
Casa Natal Picasso / Picasso’s Birthplace
What’s in it: Several rooms showing Picasso’s house as it was when he was born here. Permanent collection of Picasso works, mostly engravings and temporary exhibitions themed around Picasso.
Why go: The museum offers a glimpse of 19th century bourgeois life in Malaga. Picasso fans will be interested in the art and the temporary exhibitions usually provide a different take on his life and work.
Suitable for children: Not really, but the square is great for running about and taking selfies with Picasso himself.
Where: Plaza de la Merced 15
Opening times: Daily (except 25 December and 1 January) 9.30am-8pm.
Admission: €3 for house; €3 temporary exhibitions; €4 combo ticket. Free entry on Sunday 4-8pm.
More info: Museum website
Picasso Museum
What’s in it: A collection of Picasso’s work throughout his life. Twice-yearly temporary exhibitions and interesting Roman and Moorish archaeological remains in the basement.
Why go: Stunning architecture and museum space. This art museum in Malaga provides an overall view of his life’s work and all the different styles. Excellent temporary exhibitions with world-class artists. Also good cultural events including concerts in the auditorium and patios.
Suitable for children: This is a good introduction to Picasso so if your kids are interested they’ll enjoy it.
Where: Calle San Agustín 8
Opening times: Daily 10am-7pm (8pm July & August; 6pm November to February).
Admission: Permanent collection €7; temporary exhibition €5.50; permanent plus temporary combo €10. Free Sundays from 5pm.
More info: Read our dedicated guide to the Picasso Museum in Malaga.
Pompidou Centre
What’s in it: Avant-garde art – paintings, sculptures and performances – on loan from the Pompidou itself in Paris. Regular temporary exhibitions with a decidedly French theme.
Why go: You like art that raises an eyebrow (or both) and don’t mind being shocked, puzzled or amazed at what you see. You also want to know what’s in that Cube and you love a good museum shop. And it’s open on a Monday!
Suitable for children: Not on paper, but lots of children I know love this museum. It’s a great talking point for teenagers too. And there’s always an attraction for children at the entrance.
Where: Between Muelle Uno and El Palmeral
Opening times: Wednesday to Monday 9.30am-8pm.
Admission: Permanent exhibition €7; temporary exhibition €4; combo of the 2 €10. Free on Sundays from 5pm.
More info: Read our dedicated post on the Pompidou Centre in Malaga.
Revello de Toro Museum
What’s in it: 1 of the smaller art museums in Malaga and themed around contemporary Félix Revello de Toro. He specialises in portraits of women.
Why go: Revello de Toro manages to convey personality in all his portraits, some of which are really quite special. The 17th century building itself is a gem and includes the workshop of sculptor Pedro de Mena, the famous author of many religious tableaux in the city.
Suitable for children: Not really. Take them to run around Calle Alcazabilla.
Where: Calle Afligidos, off Calle Císter.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-8pm, Sundays 10am-2pm.
Admission: €2.50. Free on Sundays.
More info: Museum website.
Russian Museum
What’s in it: This museum is currently showing works by artists with a link to Russia and from the archives at the Picasso Foundation. For obvious reasons, it is unable to show art from St Petersburg.
Why go: You’re interested in Russian-themed art.
Suitable for children: Not really.
Where: La Tabacalera in Avda Sor Teresa de Prat. Get here on the No 16 bus from the Alameda Principal.
Opening times: Friday to Monday & Wed 10am-6pm. Thursday 1-9pm.
Admission: Permanent collection €6; temporary exhibition €4; permanent plus temporary combo €8. Free on Sundays after 5.
Museums about Malaga
The next section in our Malaga Museums Guide includes those with a historical perspective on the city:
Museum of Malaga
What’s in it: The largest museum in Andalucia and the fifth largest in Spain comes packed with exhibits. The top floor is dedicated to archaeological finds and the first floor to Spanish art, mostly painted in Malaga.
Why go: This museum is beautifully curated and full of interesting objects. You can read our dedicated blog post to the Museum of Malaga here. Don’t miss the central patio or the tall palms outside.
Suitable for children: Older children will probably enjoy some parts of the museum, but there’s not much to touch so probably best for the over 10s.
Where: Plaza de la Aduana
Opening times: Tues – Sat 9am-9pm (summer hours are 9am-3pm)
Admission: Free for EU citizens, €1.50 for everyone else.
More info: Museum website.
MUPAM – Municipal Museum
What’s in it: A history of the city of Malaga from the Phoenicians to the present day. The explanations are only in Spanish so you need a basic understanding of the language to get more than a general idea.
Why go: Some interesting artefacts plus excellent temporary exhibitions, usually of local artists.
Suitable for children: Not really.
Where: Plaza de General Torrijos, at the end of the Paseo del Parque.
Opening times:Tues – Sun 10am-8pm. July and August: Tues-Sun 10am-2pm & 5:30-9:30pm.
Admission: Free
Extra history of Malaga
Several monuments in Malaga have small collections. These include the Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba Fortress where there’s an interesting display of ceramics and the Gibralfaro Castle with an exhibition of military costumes and models of the city.
Music museums in Malaga
If music’s your thing or you’re looking for a great morning or afternoon out for the kids, try these:
MIMMA (Museo Interactivo de la Música Málaga)
What’s in it: Lots and lots of musical instruments plus some interesting historic walls.
Why go: You love making music and can’t wait to try some unusual instruments. Also a great venue for concerts and family activities. Check out the website for details.
Suitable for children: Very – the museum isn’t called interactive for nothing. This is a “look and please do touch” museum and a favourite activity for kids in Malaga.
Where: Calle Beatas 15
Opening times: 25 June to 6 September Mon 10.30am-4pm, Tues to Sun 10.30am-7.30pm; 7 September to 24 June Mon 10am-4pm, Tues to Sun 10am-7pm.
Admission: €4, under 6s get in free .
More info: Museum website
Museo del Arte Flamenco Juan Breva
What’s in it: Lots of flamenco memorabilia including art works, guitars and vinyls, performances, concerts and a small bar. You also fancy seeing a flamenco show.
Why go: You’re a fan of flamenco or just interested in the history behind this music style with a surprisingly big history in Malaga.
Suitable for children: Not really.
Where: Calle Ramón Franquelo 4, off Calle Beatas
Opening times: Mon to Fri 10am-2pm. Thurs & Sat 9-12pm.
Admission: Free; €25 for show including museum visit, aperitif and drink.
More info: Read our dedicated post about flamenco in Malaga
Malaga museums specially for kids
As well as Malaga Music Museum (MIMMA – see above), there are other great museums in Malaga for kids.
Museum of the Imagination
Yet another in the long list of museums in Malaga, this one stretches the limits of your imagination, often with surprising results.
What’s in it: 4 rooms packed with scientific and optical illusions where almost everything is not quite as it seems.
Why go: More interactive fun for children with lots of opportunities to look, hear and touch and some fabulous photos so don’t forget your camera.
Suitable for children: Very, especially for the 7 to 15 age range.
Where: Calle Martínez Campos 13, Soho district
Opening times: Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 11am to 8pm and Friday to Sunday 11am to 9pm. Closed Wednesday.
Admission: €10 adults, €5 children 7 to 15, under 7s go free.
More info: Museum website )
Principia Centro de Ciencias
What’s in it: The science centre contains 3 areas, all interactive and with lots of experimental things to do. There’s also a planetarium and an observatory. Guided tours only but you can take as long as like over the experiments.
Why go: Your kids love science and touching gadgets.
Suitable for children: Yes, very. Best for 6-12 year olds.
Where: Avda Luis Buñuel 6, near the Rosaleda Football Stadium
Opening times: Mon to Sat 10am-2:30pm.
Admission: €4
More info: Museum website
Transport museums in Malaga
Things that move also get their showcase in Malaga. The following 2 museums are both interesting and make an interesting half-day out.
Aeronautical Museum
What’s in it: 1 of the more unusual museums in Malaga and not very well-known. Lots of aeronautical stuff including 9 planes. The museum looks at the history of aviation in Spain since the 1920s.
Why go: A must for plane buffs. Housed in the old terminal at Malaga Airport, this is a great way of seeing a plane up close and personal. And on these planes you’re allowed in the cockpit.
Suitable for children: Yes, very because it’s very hands-on.
Where: Malaga Airport. You can get there on public transport (bus or train) – see the website for details. http://www.aeroplaza.org/visit-us-1/#visit-us
Opening times: Tues 10am-8pm, Weds to Sat 10am-2pm
Admission: Free
More info: Museum website.
Museo del Automóvil / Malaga Car Museum
What’s in it: An extensive collection of cars from the very first models to supersonic vehicles. Each car comes paired with an outfit from the appropriate era.
Why go: No car lover should miss this and even if cars aren’t really your thing, there are some amazing vehicles and the fashion pairing works very well.
Suitable for children: Yes, but you can’t go in the cars.
Where: La Tabacalera in Avda Sor Teresa de Prat. Get here on the No 16 bus from the Alameda Principal.
Opening times: Daily 10am-2:30pm & 4-7pm.
Admission: €8.50.
More info: Read our dedicated post about this museum.
Other interesting museums in Malaga
Our last pick of the best museums in Malaga takes in an eclectic mix of wine, glass, football, literature and traditional. Definitely something for everyone!
Museo de Arte y Costumbres Populares / Museum of Customs and Traditions
What’s in it: Lots of stuff from the bygone years – artefacts, utensils, costumes…
Why go: You fancy a trip back in time. This museum gives you an insight into traditional customs and how people used to live in Malaga in the 19th century. The 17th century building is also well worth looking round.
Suitable for children: Yes.
Where: Plaza Enrique García Herrera 1 (next to the Vincci Posada del Patio Hotel on the river)
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 3pm.
Admission: €4, under 14s free. Free entry Tuesdays 1-5pm.
More info: Museum website.
Museo del Vidrio / Glass Museum
What’s in it: An awful lot of glass – over 1,000 pieces in fact as well as lots of antiques. Glass artefacts from the earliest ever – there’s even some Phoenician glass – right through to modern times. Guided tours only.
Why go: You love beautiful things and have an interest in glass and antiques. The well-restored 18th century mansion is worth the visit alone.
Suitable for children: Obviously not…
Where: Plaza Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre, north of Calle Carretería
Opening times: Tues to Sun 11am-7pm.
Admission: €4
More info: Museum website
Museo del Vino / Wine Museum
What’s in it: Lots of info on the history and making of Malaga wine (both the Vino de Malaga and Sierras de Malaga denominations). Piles of antique wine labels and a chance to try the wine at the end.
Why go: You couldn’t really come to Malaga and miss out on the wine. This museum takes your knowledge (and tasting) a step further.
Suitable for children: Not really.
Where: Plaza de los Viñeros
Opening times: Mon to Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Admission: €4 including two wine tasters.
More info: Museum website.
Museo del Videojuego (Videogame Museum)
What’s in it: A ton of exhibits showing over 70 years of videogame history including AI and VR.
Why go: You’re obviously a videogame fan.
Suitable for children: Yes.
Where: Plaza del Siglo 2 (off Calle Granada and Calle Molina Lario)
Opening times: Mon to Fri 11am-8pm, weekends 10am-9pm
Admission: €15 adults, €12 children aged 6 to 13. Under 6s enter free.
More info: Malaga Videogame Museum website
Malaga CF Museum
What’s in it: 70 years of history as a stadium and over a century as a club. Malaga football club’s museum includes lots of memorabilia and cups.
Why go: A must for football fans. The Rosaleda stadium hosted 1982 World Cup games and football legends Pelé, Di Stefano and Crieff all played here. Not to mention newer stars on the pitch such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi and Isco.
Suitable for children: yes, as long as they’re football fans.
Where: Rosaleda Football Stadium, north along the river. Get here on Nos 2 and 17 buses from the Alameda Principal or walk (25 mins).
Opening times: Mon to Sat 10.30am-1.30pm & 4.30-7.30pm. Tours hourly at half past every hour. Museum closed when there’s a football match on.
Admission: €10
More info: Club museum website.
Map of Malaga Museums
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