Picasso Museum

Even for those who couldn’t care less about art, it’s nearly impossible not to know who Pablo Picasso is. He’s arguably the most famous painter in the world, a creative force whose talent inspired countless other artists and whose works remain timeless masterpieces. If you’ve ever taken even a slight interest in him, then you might already know that he was born right here in the city of Málaga. Known as one of the founding fathers of cubism, Picasso holds a special place in the heart of a city that boasts over 30 museums. So of course, we couldn’t skip the one dedicated entirely to him! Housed inside the former 16th-century Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista, a building declared a national monument in 1939, this cultural landmark officially opened its doors in 2003, just as Picasso had always wished. Inside, you’ll find more than 230 of his works, donated by the artist’s grandchildren and showcased in permanent and temporary exhibitions. Despite the obligation of an entry fee, it’s a fascinating journey through the many stages of Picasso’s evolving brushstroke. If you’re curious about how this museum came to be, here’s the scoop: the idea actually came in 1953 from Picasso himself, along with Juan Tembury Álvarez, none other than Málaga’s Provincial Delegate of Fine Arts at the time. Picasso, deeply connected to his hometown, wanted part of his legacy to stay rooted in the city where he grew up. Yet, for reasons still unknown today, the original project quickly fell apart. It wasn’t until nearly fifty years later that the dream was finally realized,much to the public’s delight,with a grand inauguration in 2003 by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía. Since then, the museum has become one of the most iconic cultural institutions in all of Andalusia.