Discover the Carmen Thyssen Museum in Málaga with our detailed review. Learn about free entry times, what to expect from the permanent collection, thoughts on temporary exhibitions, and practical tips for your visit.
First Impressions and the Reason for My Visit
I recently decided to experience the Carmen Thyssen Museum in Málaga firsthand. This is one of the places I had recommended to our readers not long ago, as part of my list of the best free attractions available in our beautiful city.
Back then, I mentioned that the museum offers free entry on Sundays after a certain time. This summer, from August 3rd to 14th, they introduced an additional free admission window on Thursdays, opening their doors from 7 pm to 11 pm. That’s exactly the opportunity I took advantage of (considering the standard ticket price is €12).
Queuing Up and Getting Inside
Let’s start with the wait to get in, as it was part of my experience. While the line initially looked long, the waiting time in my case was around 20–25 minutes. It’s worth noting that I arrived just a few minutes before opening, and there were already plenty of people ahead of me. If you arrive earlier—or later, depending on the day—you might end up waiting less.
A Warm Welcome and the Museum Atmosphere
Once inside, I was greeted by a pleasant surprise: tables set up near the entrance and a DJ playing atmospheric music. Around the corner, there’s a café where you can grab a coffee, pastry, or ice cream and take a moment to relax—perhaps to reflect at the end of your visit.
The Artistic Journey Through Spanish and Andalusian Masterpieces
Now, onto the main event: a journey through Spanish and Andalusian art. The museum is spread over several floors, each offering works from different periods, at that time ranging from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. While paintings dominate the collection, there are also a few sculptures on display.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions. During my visit, I explored two: “American People”—a photography collection capturing everyday American life in the previous century, and “Pintura liberada” (“Liberated Painting”)—featuring Spanish modern art from the 1980s.
Permanent Collection Highlights
Your journey begins with works portraying everyday life in Spain—scenes of dancing, social gatherings, and daily routines. As you move along, you encounter stunning portraits, breathtaking landscapes of idyllic countryside and ports, and many other captivating sights.
What particularly struck me was the atmospheric lighting in the galleries, which enhances the mood and draws out the finest details of each work. It’s this thoughtful presentation that truly elevated my experience.
Temporary Exhibitions – A Mixed Bag
On the other hand, I found the “Pintura liberada” exhibition less engaging. Perhaps I’m an art novice (or simply not the target audience) but the works didn’t resonate with me. The same goes for “American People,” which I expected to be a rich, expansive collection. Instead, it consisted of a small number of photographs, mostly depicting Americans enjoying themselves. For me, it lacked the spark I had hoped for.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth Visiting?
Despite my lukewarm response to the temporary exhibitions, the permanent collection left a strong, positive impression. I can wholeheartedly recommend visiting the Carmen Thyssen Museum, whether you take advantage of free entry or pay for a ticket.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the cultural identity and history of Andalusia and Spain as a whole. Before you leave, don’t forget to browse the museum shop, where you can pick up a memorable souvenir of your visit. From me, it’s a sincere recommendation.