Discover my personal experience visiting Centre Pompidou Málaga, the colorful cube on Muelle Uno. Learn about its history, exhibitions, and why this modern art museum left me with mixed feelings.
As an expat in Málaga, I try to explore the city little by little, uncovering new places and experiences. Lately, I’ve focused on visiting more of the city’s museums, each of them offering a different perspective on Málaga’s culture and identity. This time, my curiosity led me to the Centre Pompidou Málaga, the first branch of the famous Parisian museum outside France.
The Story Behind the Cube
The Centre Pompidou Málaga opened on March 28, 2015 inside the striking glass pavilion known as El Cubo, located on the waterfront at Muelle Uno. The choice of this modern, transparent space was deliberate, symbolizing a new chapter in Málaga’s cultural life.
What began as a five-year pilot project quickly exceeded all expectations. The museum became one of the city’s major cultural and tourist attractions, drawing locals and visitors alike. Its success led to extensions of the original agreement, first until 2025 and then until 2035, ensuring its place as a fixture of Málaga’s art scene. The arrival of the Centre Pompidou has also helped position the city alongside cultural capitals such as Paris, London and Berlin, strengthening Málaga’s growing reputation as a European hub for modern art.
My Visit and First Impressions
Modern art has never been my greatest passion. I naturally connect more with classical works, yet I always try to approach new places with an open mind. That was exactly my attitude when I walked into El Cubo.
I want to stress that what follows is only my personal impression. Art is subjective, and what speaks less to me might deeply resonate with someone else. With that said, I have to admit the experience did not fully win me over. There were indeed works that caught my attention and made me pause, but overall, I struggled to connect with the exhibitions in the same way I do with more traditional collections.
The museum is divided into two main sections: the permanent collection and a temporary exhibition. During my visit, I had the chance to see “Vassily Kandinsky. Pioneer of Abstract Art,” organized to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Málaga branch. It was a journey through the artist’s life and work, and although some of the pieces stood out to me, I couldn’t shake my ambivalence towards him. As a Pole, there are cultural associations that color my perception of Kandinsky, but at the same time, I cannot deny the profound impact he had on modern art.
The Size of the Museum – A Disappointment
What ultimately left me most unsatisfied was the size of the museum. Just a short while earlier I had visited the Museo de Málaga, where I spent over two hours exploring its vast collections, and I left feeling that even more time would have been necessary to fully appreciate it. In comparison, the Centre Pompidou Málaga felt much smaller, and my visit was over surprisingly quickly.
Of course, I understand that this is a satellite museum, not the main institution in Paris. Naturally, the original collection is much larger and would likely align more with my expectations. Still, I couldn’t help but feel a bit underwhelmed by the scale of what was on display here.
Final Thoughts – Should You Visit?
Despite my mixed feelings, I would still recommend visiting the Centre Pompidou Málaga, especially if you find yourself near the port area. Entry is free on Sundays after 4 pm, which makes it easy to drop in and form your own opinion.
Even though modern art doesn’t fully capture my heart, I don’t regret the visit. Museums like this are about pushing boundaries and experiencing something different, and they are an important part of Málaga’s cultural landscape. Perhaps what didn’t work for me might be exactly what inspires you.
And as for me, I’ll keep exploring. One day, I’m sure I’ll find the museum of modern or contemporary art that truly moves me. Until then, I’m glad to keep searching.