The Picasso Museum in Malaga is one of the main attractions in the Spanish city and offers a remarkable collection of the artist’s works. There are several options for visiting the museum that I highly recommend to make the most of the experience. You can then dedicate yourself to other wonderful attractions in Malaga, one of the main places to visit in Andalusia.

Visit to the Picasso Museum in Malaga

The Picasso Museum in Malaga is located in the heart of the city, specifically in the Buenavista Palace. This beautiful Renaissance building was inaugurated as a museum in 2003, thanks to the donation of works by Picasso’s family members. It was also the artist who wanted a museum that would celebrate the strong connection with his hometown.

The Buenavista Palace is an architectural masterpiece in itself, with its typical Andalusian structure combining Renaissance and Mudejar elements. The museum rooms offer visitors a chronological tour through the different stages of Picasso’s career. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of the artist’s life and work.

Works at the Picasso Museum in Malaga

The Picasso Museum in Malaga houses around 200 works by the artist, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics, spanning more than 80 years of creative activity. The collection is organised in thematic and chronological sections, allowing visitors to follow Pablo Picasso’s artistic evolution.

Here are some of the main works on display at the museum:

• The Three Graces (1923): this work depicts three female figures, reflecting the mythological theme of the Three Graces and showing Picasso’s interest in tripartite compositions and the classical style.
• Woman with Raised Arms (1936): a painting depicting a woman in an expressive pose, symbolising strength and endurance. The use of strong lines and intense colours reflects the artist’s energy and passion.
• Portrait of Dora Maar (1939): Dora Maar, Picasso’s famous photographer and lover, is portrayed in a work that captures the complexity of her personality. Picasso uses intense colours and fragmented forms, reflecting the emotional tension of the period.
• Woman in an Armchair (1946): this painting depicts a woman sitting in an armchair, executed in a Cubist style. A highly stylised portrait of Françoise Gilot, where triangles and circles create a harmonious beauty without being abstract.
• Jacqueline with Straw Hat (1962): a portrait of Picasso’s last wife, Jacqueline Roque. The painting shows Jacqueline with a straw hat, with strong strokes and bold colours, expressing the depth of their bond and the muse she was to Picasso in the last years of his life.

Picasso in Malaga

Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga on 25 October 1881, later living his life in other Spanish cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid. His birthplace, located in Plaza de la Merced, is now a museum dedicated to his life and early works. This place offers a unique insight into the context in which the artist grew up and the influences that marked his early years.

Malaga also offers other traces of Picasso’s presence in the city. For instance, you can see a bronze statue of the artist sitting on a bench in Plaza de la Merced, a perfect place for a souvenir photo.

Malaga Picasso Museum Tickets

Advance booking is particularly useful during the peak tourist season, when queues can become very long. Buying your Picasso Museum ticket online allows you to choose your preferred entry time, making your visit more organised and enjoyable. In addition, some combination tickets offer access to temporary exhibitions or other attractions in the city, allowing you to make the most of your time in Malaga.

The standard ticket includes access to both the Picasso Museum and the temporary exhibitions. In addition, at the entrance you will receive an audio guide to listen to on your smartphone, so don’t forget to bring your earphones. There is a 15-minute time slot for access to the museum, so make sure you arrive on time to avoid problems. One good thing is that you can cancel your ticket with a refund up to 24 hours before your visit, although rescheduling is not possible. Also remember that no food, drinks, suitcases or duffel bags are allowed inside the museum.

If you plan to visit Picasso’s birthplace as well, I recommend buying the combination ticket to save money. This ticket allows you to explore not only the museum but also the house where Picasso grew up, breathing in the typical atmosphere of the 19th century. In the rooms you will find the personal belongings of Picasso and members of his family, as well as a reconstruction of some rooms such as his father’s studio.

Other museums to see in Malaga

Besides the Picasso Museum, Malaga offers many other interesting attractions. Here are some places not to be missed:

• Centre Pompidou, a branch of the famous Parisian museum, houses a collection of international contemporary art.
• Museo Carmen Thyssen, a museum dedicated to Spanish and Andalusian art, with an extensive collection of paintings from the 13th to the 19th century.
• Malaga Cathedral, known as ‘La Manquita’ for its incomplete tower. It is an outstanding example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
• Alcazaba, an ancient Muslim fortress located on a hill that offers a panoramic view of the city and the harbour.
  Automobile and Fashion Museum, a unique museum combining a collection of vintage cars with fashion and design exhibitions.
• Russian Museum, an extension of the Russian Museum in St Petersburg, houses a collection of Russian art from the 15th to the 20th century.

To explore the city comfortably, I also recommend taking an open-top bus tour. I do this often, even though it may sound very touristy. This type of tour allows you to touch various points of interest in the city in a relaxed way and without having to walk too much. Make sure you always book your tickets in advance and also explore the other wonders Malaga has to offer.