The 15 best museums in Malaga

Updated on 7 October 2026

Although I love Malaga as a seaside resort, I’m just as fond of its cultural side. With so much history behind it, many museums in Malaga are worth a visit. Here is my top 15 of the museums that are really worth it. The list isn’t exhaustive, and it isn’t in order of preference either 🙂

1- Picasso Museum

In my article about the Picasso Museum, I told you about this lovely museum that traces the life and career of the famous painter.

The Picasso Museum Málaga, in the historic heart of the city, is a vibrant tribute to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Housed in the sumptuous Buenavista Palace, a 16th-century building that blends Andalusian architecture with Renaissance influences, the museum is a delightful setting in which to discover the work of Pablo Picasso.

The permanent collection includes more than 200 works covering the artist’s different periods, from his early academic explorations to his boldest creations. The styles on show include Cubism, Surrealism and the experiments that marked his prolific career. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that shed light on specific aspects of his work or on the art of his time.

Beyond the works on display, the museum itself is a work of art. Its inner courtyards, mosaics and wooden ceilings reflect the region’s rich history. Downstairs, an archaeological area reveals Phoenician, Roman and Moorish remains, which adds real historical depth to the visit.

• Prices: general admission is €12, with some free options.
• Opening hours: open every day from 10am to 6pm
• Guided tour / audio guide: yes, audio guide included, or a guided tour with the museum for €25 per person (30-minute visit)
• Address: city centre – Palacio de Buenavista, C. San Agustín, 8, 29015 Málaga

2- Picasso Birthplace Museum

Let’s keep going with Picasso and his birthplace museum. Located at number 15 on the Plaza de la Merced, in the historic centre, this intimate museum lets you discover the artist’s childhood and explore the early influences that helped shape his creative genius.

The museum is housed in an 18th-century building typical of Andalusian architecture, with whitewashed walls and flower-filled inner courtyards. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, it tells Picasso’s story from his first steps in art, displaying personal belongings, family photographs and works made by the young Picasso.

The collection features a selection of his early works, including his first drawings and paintings, showing how his art developed from a very young age. You’ll also find works that bear the mark of his first influences, such as classical art and his family life in Málaga. The museum highlights the city’s impact on his artistic training and reveals the first steps of a career that would turn the history of world art upside down.

• Prices: €4, free for under-18s
• Opening hours: 9:30am to 8pm every day
• Guided tour / audio guide: audio guide available
• Address: Pl. de la Merced, 15, city centre

3- Carmen Thyssen Museum Málaga

The Carmen Thyssen Museum Málaga is one of the cultural treasures of Málaga’s historic centre, set in the splendid Villalón Palace, a carefully restored 16th-century building. The museum is devoted to Spanish art, with a particular focus on Andalusia and its artists, and takes you on a visual journey through the 19th and 20th centuries.

The permanent collection, drawn from the impressive private collection of Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, includes more than 280 works. It focuses on Spanish schools of painting, with an emphasis on rural scenes, popular traditions and the vibrant light of Andalusia. The artists represented include Joaquín Sorolla, Julio Romero de Torres, Ramón Casas and many others.

The museum is organised into several themed sections that walk you through the major Spanish art movements, such as Andalusian costumbrismo, Romanticism, Realism and the beginnings of modernity. Each room is designed to draw you into the details and emotions captured by the painters.

Alongside the permanent collection, the museum runs temporary exhibitions on a wide range of themes, often linked to Andalusia’s artistic or cultural heritage. They broaden the perspective on the art movements on display.

The building itself is a work of art: its elegant patios, traditional tiles and bright spaces make it a place of great beauty. A gift shop and a charming café invite you to stretch out your visit in a peaceful atmosphere.

The Carmen Thyssen Museum Málaga is an ode to Andalusia, celebrating its history, culture and unique light through the eyes of its artists. It’s an essential stop for any art lover who wants to get to the soul of this captivating region.

• Prices: €12 general admission, €8 reduced rate
• Opening hours: every day from 10am to 8pm except Mondays
• Guided tour / audio guide: audio guide available
• Address: Plaza Carmen Thyssen, Calle Compañía, 29008 Málaga

4- Centre Pompidou Málaga, the most “French” of Malaga’s museums

You can’t miss this one: you’re bound to walk past it! Set inside ‘El Cubo’, this centre is a branch of the famous Paris museum and shows collections of modern and contemporary art. 

Opened in 2015, this contemporary art centre has a permanent collection of modern and contemporary works, with iconic pieces by great masters such as Henri Matisse, Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol and many more.

The building’s architecture, with its bright colours and translucent glass panels, echoes the innovative spirit of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Inside, the exhibitions range from multimedia installations to sculpture and painting. The centre also runs a programme of temporary exhibitions, screenings, talks and interactive workshops, so you can immerse yourself in contemporary creativity and art movements.

• Prices: €9
• Opening hours: every day from 9:30am to 8pm except Tuesdays
• Guided tour / audio guide: audio guide available
• Address: Pje. del Dr. Carrillo Casaux

5- Museum of Málaga (Museo de Málaga)

The Museum of Málaga is probably one of the most beautiful museums I’ve visited in this city. What struck me straight away was how majestic the building is. Housed in the former Customs Palace (Palacio de la Aduana), an 18th-century building, it combines the elegance of classical architecture with modern touches perfectly. As soon as I walked in, I was amazed by the height of the ceilings, the grand arches and the light pouring through the huge interior spaces. The atmosphere is both prestigious and welcoming, with modern touches that show off the works on display.

The museum is spread over several floors. The ground floor is devoted to archaeology, with an impressive collection of artefacts and remains going back to Antiquity, from the Phoenician and Roman civilisations to the cultures of Al-Andalus.

The first floor is dedicated to fine arts, a real journey through the history of Spanish art, from the Renaissance to Romanticism. I particularly enjoyed the variety of styles, from classical portraits to landscapes and genre scenes that capture the soul of Spain through the centuries. It’s a real treasure trove for art lovers!

Finally, the second floor has a more contemporary exhibition with 20th-century works. This is where you’ll find bolder, more modern pieces linked to the history of art in Spain and beyond.

Don’t miss the basement!!!

• Prices: free for EU citizens, €1.50 for non-EU visitors
• Opening hours: every day from 9am to 9pm except Mondays – Sundays from 9am to 3pm
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: Plaza de la Aduana, city centre

6- Automobile and Fashion Museum of Málaga

The Automobile and Fashion Museum of Málaga is a fascinating place that brings together two surprising worlds: cars and haute couture. Set in a renovated former industrial building, it displays an impressive collection of classic cars from different eras, from vintage models to luxury cars from the 1950s and 60s. Each vehicle is carefully presented to highlight the design, engineering and history of the great car makers.

But what makes this museum even more unusual is its fashion side. Next to the cars, haute couture creations by famous designers such as Chanel, Dior and Vuitton are on display, a perfect blend of automotive and sartorial elegance. You can admire spectacular dresses, accessories and iconic fashion pieces that show the links between the worlds of fashion and cars.

The museum feels both chic and original, with careful staging where the art of fashion meets automotive innovation. It’s an ideal visit for anyone who loves design, history and timeless elegance.

• Prices: €10 general admission, reduced rate available – €11 with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before.
• Opening hours: 10am-2:40pm and 4pm-7:30pm every day
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15 (Tabacalera building)

7- Glass and Crystal Museum of Málaga

The Glass and Crystal Museum of Málaga is a fascinating place dedicated to the art of glass through the centuries. Set in a charming 18th-century building, it displays a collection of glass pieces from Antiquity to the present day. Stained glass, decorative objects and glass furniture are shown in an elegant setting, a lovely way to explore the history and evolution of this craft. A must for anyone who loves design and history.

• Prices: €7 general admission, reduced rate available
• Opening hours: 11am to 7pm, Tuesday to Sunday
• Guided tour / audio guide: yes, included in the ticket
• Address: Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre nº 2 (opposite the main door of the Church of San Felipe Neri), 29012 Málaga

8- Russian Museum of Málaga

The Russian Museum of Málaga, in the imposing Tabacalera building, is a branch of the famous State Russian Museum in St Petersburg. It offers a unique insight into Russian art and culture through a collection of works ranging from the 13th century to the present day. The permanent exhibitions feature iconic artists such as Ilya Repin and Wassily Kandinsky, while the temporary exhibitions explore different themes from Russian history and culture.

With its mix of modern spaces and industrial architecture, the museum is a captivating place to discover the artistic treasures of a country rich in traditions. A must-visit for art and history lovers.

• Prices: €8 general admission, reduced and free options available
• Opening hours: 9:30am-8pm, Tuesday to Sunday
• Guided tour / audio guide: yes, with an audio guide
• Address: Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, nº 15, 29003 Málaga

9- Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga (CAC Málaga)

The Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga (CAC Málaga) is a must for lovers of modern and contemporary art. Located in the heart of the city, in a converted former wholesale market, it stands out for its minimalist architecture and vast, bright spaces, perfectly suited to showing contemporary work.

CAC Málaga runs a rich programme of temporary and permanent exhibitions showcasing local, Spanish and international artists. You’ll find works by major figures such as Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as pieces by emerging artists. The centre covers a wide range of media, from painting and sculpture to video, photography and installations.

Free entry and the CAC’s commitment to making culture accessible make it a lively, dynamic place, ideal for discovering current art trends. A perfect spot to immerse yourself in contemporary creativity and explore new artistic perspectives.

• Prices: free
• Opening hours: 10am to 8pm – Tuesday to Sunday
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: Calle Alemania

10- Revello de Toro Museum

The Revello de Toro Museum, in a historic house in the centre of Málaga, is a real tribute to the art of painter Félix Revello de Toro, a master of portraiture and contemporary figurative painting. The museum showcases his unique talent for capturing beauty and emotion in works full of realism and delicacy.

The permanent collection includes a selection of portraits, female nudes and genre scenes that reveal the artist’s elegance and technical mastery. As well as the paintings, the museum has displays on the history of the building itself, which was the workshop of Pedro de Mena, the famous Baroque sculptor.

The intimate setting and peaceful atmosphere make for a rewarding visit. The museum perfectly illustrates Málaga’s artistic wealth while honouring one of its most talented sons.

• Prices: general admission €4, with reduced options and free entry on Sundays
• Opening hours: 10am to 8pm, Tuesday to Saturday – Sundays and public holidays: 10am to 2pm
• Guided tour / audio guide: yes, audio guide €2
• Address: Calle Afligidos, 5

11- Flamenco Art Museum – Peña Juan Breva

The Flamenco Art Museum – Peña Juan Breva is an iconic venue in the heart of Málaga dedicated to preserving and promoting flamenco. Founded in 1958, the Peña Juan Breva is one of the oldest flamenco associations in Spain and is named after the famous Málaga singer Juan Breva.

The museum holds an impressive collection of more than 5,000 pieces, including around 2,500 records, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in Spain. 

Among the treasures on display are Edison phonographs from 1889, precious guitars, traditional costumes and historical photographs, which take you deep into the world of flamenco. 

The museum is located in a typical 19th-century house, a fine example of traditional Andalusian architecture.

• Prices: general admission €3, reduced options available
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: c/ Ramón Franquelo, 4.

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12 – Museum of Imagination (Museo de la Imaginación)

The Museum of Imagination is a one-of-a-kind space right in the heart of Málaga that invites children and adults alike into a fascinating world of illusions and dreams. Designed to surprise and amaze, it offers interactive exhibits where you can challenge your senses, walk on the ceiling, see yourself in miniature or create fun memories with original photos.

It’s a playful, immersive experience, ideal for a family outing.

• Prices: general admission €10 / €5 for children
• Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11am – 8pm / Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 11am – 9pm
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: Calle Martínez Campos

13 – Málaga Wine Museum

The Málaga Wine Museum celebrates the richness and prestige of the region’s wines. Created to promote local wine culture, it is housed in the former Biedmas Palace, an 18th-century building restored with the help of the Junta de Andalucía and Málaga City Council.

Opened on 3 July 2008, for the 75th anniversary of the Regulatory Council of the Málaga Designation of Origin, the museum traces the history of local winemaking through interactive displays, traditional tools and old posters. Visitors can also taste typical wines and learn about their unique link with the land.

• Prices: general admission €6 including a wine tasting, reduced entry for retirees and students
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: Calle Afligidos, 5

14- Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions

The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Málaga, housed in a 17th-century building, offers a captivating look at everyday Andalusian life in days gone by. Its 19 exhibition rooms display handcrafted objects, traditional costumes and recreated workshops that illustrate the customs and traditional trades of the region.

• Prices: general admission €4, with reduced options, notably on Tuesdays from 1pm to 5pm
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10am – 5pm / Saturday: 10am – 3pm / Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: Plaza Enrique García-Herrera, 1

15 – Aviation Museum (AEROMUSEO)

The Málaga Aviation Museum, in the old airport terminal, takes you through the fascinating history of Spanish aviation. Its displays are varied: historic aircraft you can get close to, a 1940s control tower, vintage uniforms and an interactive room explaining the science of flight. Unique in Andalusia, the museum appeals as much to aviation enthusiasts as to families looking for an educational outing.

• Prices: free
• Opening hours: Tuesday: 10am – 8pm / Wednesday to Saturday: 10am – 2pm / Closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays
• Guided tour / audio guide: no
• Address: Avenida Comandante García Morato

I hope this list of museums in Malaga helps you choose which ones to discover during your stay!