The 15 Best Museums In Malaga

This is one of the world's oldest cities as it was founded back in 770 B.C. by the Phoenicians but back then it was called Malaka. It is also home to an ancient port that was built back in 600 B.C., still one of the busiest ports present day. Throughout its timeline, Malaga has been under the rule of the Roman Empire, the Islamic Empire, and later on the Christians. Today there are still many historic buildings, artifacts and archaeological remains that can still be seen around the city, and some of them even date back up to 3,000 years.

As you can tell, Malaga has an interesting past and the best way to learn more about its history is to visit as many of the local museums as possible. Luckily for you, Malaga has many, and we can help you decide which ones you think are worth checking out. On your way, stow your belongings at a suitcase storage service in Malaga. Most museums do not allow guests to bring large bags inside.

Museum Revello de Toro

The Museum Revello de Toro is where you can go to learn about Pedro de Mena and Revello de Toro. They were both talented artists although they specialized in different types of artwork; portraits and religious paintings. The museum is housed in the former house of Pedro de Mena which was built in the 17th century.

Inside you will find nearly 100 different works by Revello de Toro, either as paintings, drawings or sketches. If you are more interested in Pedro de Mena you can watch a short but informative video about his life in the Memorial Room.

Picasso Museum

The Museo Picasso is one of the best art museums in Malaga. It is dedicated to Pablo Picasso, who is one of the most famous local artists from this city and is known around the world. He was a skilled painter, sculptor, and ceramist and you may already know that he was also the founder of cubism!

This museum displays nearly 200 different art pieces and it can be fun to see how his artwork has changed over the years. Aside from the permanent collection, you can sometimes see temporary exhibitions that change now and then, meaning that there is always something new to discover. After being amazed by Picasso's work you can see the very home where he grew up since it is just down the street from the museum.

Russian State Museum

This establishment is a branch of the much larger State Russian Museum and the first European branch. It is the perfect spot for any Russian art lover as it has over 100 different pieces that date from between the 15th century and the 20th century. It can be an interesting place to visit since you can experience works from each period of Russian art.

The museum changes its exhibition every year so if you ever happen to come back you should definitely visit again. You will find the Museo Ruso in an old tobacco factory which has a surprisingly beautiful architecture and design.

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou Malaga is a must-see museum in the city. It is actually a branch of the Paris Modern Art Gallery and the first one to be based outside of France. If you are interested in visiting you won't have much trouble finding the museum, since it is housed in a colorful building called El Cubo which can be hard to miss and can be found near the Port.

Inside El Cubo, you will find a semi-permanent exhibition and temporary exhibits that change every couple of months, which means that you can find something new each time that you go.

The Malaga Airport Museum

One of the best interactive museums in the city is the Museo Aeronáutico de Málaga. It can teach you something interesting about all sorts of aircraft, both modern and old. One of the best things about this museum; free entry!

If you choose to visit you will get the opportunity to explore the museum and see intriguing aircraft in person. If you have never been in the cockpit of an airplane before, then this is your chance, and afterward you will better understand how these machines work.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Come here to see the private collection of Carmen Thyssen Bornemisza which is mostly composed of Spanish and Andalusian paintings dating back to the 19th century. In total there is an impressive 2,600 art pieces on display with even more to see when traveling exhibitions are visiting.

Some of the names that you might recognize include Aureliano de Beruete, Julio Romero de Torres and Joaquin Sorolla. It can be nice to spend an afternoon strolling through the art galleries in Malaga and this is one of the biggest and best.

Museum of Malaga

Make your way to the Palacio de la Aduana to find the Museo de Malaga. This is one of the most interesting museums in the city and houses over 17,000 exhibits about the history and archeology of the area. You can also see some beautiful artwork since the building is joined by the Provincial Archeological Museum and the Provincial Museum of Fine Arts.

This is one of the best museums to visit if you want to learn about Malaga and its past. Exhibits can teach you about the different civilizations that have called the city home and their remains that can still be seen today. The bottom floor displays old paintings and artwork. This is the fifth biggest museum in all of Spain and the very biggest in Andalusia.

Museum of Imagination

Another one of the best Malaga museums is the Museum of Imagination. Although it is targeted toward kids, adults can also have a blast making it the perfect family outing. This is where you can explore the depths of your imagination and make the impossible happen.

The exhibitions and displays will teach you about optical illusions and how they work, and you might even get to try them out yourself. Once you are done you will have lots of new and exciting tricks to show your friends back home!

Museum of Glass and Crystal

One of Malaga's hidden gems is the Museum of Glass and Crystal. Not only is the museum interesting but the fact that it is housed in an old 18th century palace is pretty cool too. Since it is located in the historic center of the city it is easy to stop by between other tourist attractions.

In total there are 3000 pieces of crystal and glasswork coming from around the world. You can explore new cultures including ancient Egypt, Muslim, Roman and Venetian. We recommend checking out the guided tours which are the best way to learn about the museum and its displays in depth.

Malaga Wine Museum

You can't visit Malaga without trying some of the amazing Spanish red wine, and if you want to learn about why the drink is so exceptional you can visit the Malaga Wine Museum. If you are interested in different kinds of wine and how they are made, this is the place to go.

At the end of your visit you can even participate in a free wine tasting, so don't miss out! The Museo del Vino is housed in the Palace of Biedmas which dates back to the 18th century. Even if you don't want to try the wines you can learn a lot of interesting facts about them here.

Roman Theatre and Castle of Gibralfaro

Located in the Centro Historico of Malaga is one of the best places for any art lover and Roman architecture enthusiasts. It is an outdoor art gallery in the Alcabaza fortress that can teach you a lot about the culture and theatrical history of Roman times.

During your visit, you will get a guided tour of the fortress and end up at the Castle of Gibralfaro. From here you can see the city below and it offers some truly incredible views so make sure you pack your camera!

Contemporary Art Center

This contemporary art museum, locally known as the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo or CAC Malaga, always has something new and exciting going on so make sure to give it a visit if you have the time. The exhibits are changing all the time since most of the artwork is rented out by the owners for a three to five year period, which is great since you can come back several times and still have something new to see.

This is where you can go to see an extensive collection from world famous artists and they are always displaying the newest artworks. The display room is sized at 2,400 meters and usually has about 400 works on display at once. There is even a restaurant on site so if you get hungry after your visit you can try some delicious dishes without even leaving the building.

Automobile Museum and Fashion Museum

For a truly unique experience, you should make your way to the Automobile and Fashion Museum in Malaga. Here you can find 90 independent exhibits about cars that can teach you a lot about the history and evolution of the automobile industry through the years.

You will walk by some amazing cars like the Rolls Royce, Porsche, Aston Martin and Jaguar. In another part of the establishment is the fashion museum (perfect for those who love shopping) where you can see plenty of luxury fashion and big brand names like Prada, Dior, Chanel or Balmain.

Jorge Rando Museum

Jorge Rando, according to the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art, was one of the world's best Neo-Expressionist painters. He was born right here in Malaga and some of his work is known around the globe making him a world famous artist.

Throughout his lifetime Rando created some amazing paintings and sculptures and you can see some of them here. Although the museum is dedicated to him it also displays work by other Expressionist artists. This is the first museum of its kind in Spain and is definitely worth checking out.

The Alborania Museum

This place is also called the Maritime Learning Centre or the Museo Alborania. It is a great place for kids or just anyone who is interested in the ocean and the creatures found within it. The exhibits can teach you a lot about the fish, animals and plants found on the Malaga coast as well as sailing, fishing and the traditions of the Alboran Sea.

The museum is also interactive and you can participate in different activities and games. You will get to use boat simulators and microscopes to look at organisms, watch the maritime creatures up close in the aquariums and even see and touch real whale bones.

What are the Best Free Museums in Malaga?

Malaga Airport Museum

The Malaga Airport Museum offers free entry every day of the week so stop by anytime!

Contemporary Art Center of Malaga

You can enter the Contemporary Art Center of Malaga at no charge, which makes it a great activity for those who are trying to save money.

Jorge Rando Museum

You can visit the Jorge Rando Museum whenever since tickets are always free, making it the perfect budget friendly activity in Malaga.

What are the Best Museums in Downtown Malaga?

Museum Revello de Toro

This museum is located in the downtown area of Malaga and is easy to get to using public transit.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

You shouldn't have a hard time finding your way to the Carmen Thyssen Bornemisza collection since it is close to the center of the city.

Malaga Wine Museum

Not too far away is the Malaga Wine Museum, so if you have time to stop by while you are already in the area you should check it out.

Are There Any Cheap Museums in Malaga?

Museum of Malaga

The Museum of Malaga is one of the city's most affordable with tickets priced at 1.50 euros and entrance is always free for EU citizens.

Roman Theatre and Castle of Gibralfaro

Compared to the other attractions, the Teatro Romano and ancient castle are very affordable at just 3.55 euros for access to both.

Museum of Glass and Crystal

The Museum of Glass and Crystal is great for those traveling on a tight budget since tickets are only 5 or 6 euros for each person.

The City's Top Museums

While you are visiting Malaga, try to visit as many of these museums as possible as well as take part in cultural activities and events. Whether you want to learn about artwork from centuries ago to the present day, musical instruments, wine, or the natural world, this city has a museum for you. When flying into Malaga Airport, go through this list and see how many museums you can visit during your vacation to the capital of Costa del Sol!