Discover Museo Picasso Málaga, located in the Buenavista Palace in the heart of the city. Learn about Picasso’s life, his masterpieces, the museum’s collections and temporary exhibitions, plus practical tips for your visit.
During my time living in Málaga, I’ve tried to explore the city step by step. I’ve done this by meeting people, taking part in local festivals, and above all, immersing myself in the cultural treasures that Málaga offers both residents and visitors.
As my stay here slowly comes to an end, I decided to conclude my journey through the city’s museums with a visit to the Museo Picasso Málaga, dedicated to the legendary 20th-century artist who was born right here in this city.
Pablo Picasso – a life that changed art forever
Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. From an early age, his extraordinary talent was nurtured by his father, who was an art teacher. Over the course of his career, Picasso created more than 20,000 works across painting, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics.
He co-founded Cubism, a movement that completely changed how form and space were perceived in art. His career passed through many different phases, such as the famous Blue Period and Rose Period, while masterpieces like Guernica and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon became milestones in cultural history.
Although he spent most of his adult life outside Spain, Málaga remained the place that shaped his childhood and first artistic inspirations. Today, the city honors its most famous son with a museum dedicated to his legacy.
Inside Museo Picasso Málaga
The Museo Picasso Málaga is one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. It is housed in the 16th-century Palacio de Buenavista, located in the heart of the old town, just a short walk from the cathedral.
The museum enjoys enormous popularity. I chose to visit on a Sunday afternoon, shortly after five o’clock, when entry is free. That decision meant waiting in line for about an hour, but the chance to see over 200 works donated by Picasso’s family made the wait worthwhile. The collection spans different periods of his career, from early sketches and studies to paintings, sculptures, ceramics and prints that reveal the richness of his style and his constant search for new forms of expression.
Temporary exhibitions
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions. During my visit, two were on display: one exploring the career of Óscar Domínguez, and another titled “Farah Atassi”.
Because of the long wait in line and the museum’s closing time, I only had the chance to explore the works of Óscar Domínguez. Surrealism is usually not my favorite genre, yet I found myself drawn to some of his pieces in a way I didn’t expect.
Picasso’s works – the heart of the visit
Of course, the highlight of my visit was spending time with Picasso’s own creations. His works on display here show how his style evolved over time, from the early drawings to mature paintings and ceramics. The chance to see these sketches and first experiments with my own eyes was absolutely worth the wait in line – a line that many visitors gave up on. In my opinion, they made a mistake, as those who left early missed something unforgettable.
One theme stood out during the visit: the importance of women in Picasso’s life and art. Female figures appear throughout the collection, depicted in both conventional and unconventional ways. Each interpretation is unique and equally captivating, offering insight into the complexity of Picasso’s vision.
Practical information for visitors
The museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Standard admission costs €13, though there are several discounts available for different groups. For those who prefer to avoid long queues, visiting outside the free Sunday evening slot may be a better option.
Final thoughts – a must-see in Málaga
Alongside the Museo Carmen Thyssen and the Museo de Málaga, the Museo Picasso Málaga is, in my opinion, an absolute must-visit. Whether you live in the city or are just passing through, this museum belongs at the top of your cultural itinerary.
For me, it was the perfect conclusion to my exploration of Málaga’s museums. Seeing Picasso’s art in the city where his story began added a special depth to the experience, and it is something I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.