Málaga is a beautiful Andalucían city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. It has become known for its warm weather, languorous beaches and fantastic restaurants. But perhaps its biggest selling point is sometimes overlooked: its culture. Architecturally and historically, the city is one of the most rewarding on the Iberian Peninsula.
There are numerous museums and galleries in the city that showcase incredible art from Spain and across the world. Combine that with the climate and the open, relaxed atmosphere of the region and you’re onto a real winner of a holiday destination.
Museo Picasso
This list starts with the most obvious. Pablo Picasso, the most famous denizen of the area, has a permanent showing of his works in an old 16th century building right in the heart of city, displaying nearly 300 pieces of art from his prolific career. (Picasso was born very close by too, on Plaza Merced.)
While it’s certainly high profile and can get busy, the Museo Picasso is a great way to begin an artistic cultural trek. You’ll be able to learn more about how the city inspired one of the greatest artists of all time.
Pompidou Centre
Opened in 2015, located right in the port, the Pompidou Centre is part of the great Parisian museum of the same name. It houses a permanent collection of a number of great artists, like Chagall and Bacon, alongside innovative and carefully curated exhibitions – there is always something interesting going on.
It is set inside a striking multi-coloured cube in a minimalist courtyard, which doubles as an amazing nexus space for cultural exchange and social gatherings.
Centro de Arte Contemporáneo
CAC’s two main focusses are contemporary art from the 1950s and local Spanish artists since the 1980s and 1990s. That scope includes a wonderful collection of pictures, installations and sculptures, each genre representing the beautiful and grotesque facets of the human mind.
With a full calendar of events supporting and showcasing new artists, CAC is also as much a generator of ideas as a conserver. There’s no better place to feel as if you are on the razor edge of creativity in this area.
Museo Carmen Thyssen
This museum focuses on Andalucía and local depictions of southern Spain through the 19th century. That range extends from the romantic period to realism, and is set in a typically Mediterranean whitewashed house, with a courtyard in the centre decorated with rounded arches and Doric columns. It provides an excellent introduction to local history and art.
How to Get There
Málaga is a very easy destination to get to from international airports in the UK. All the majors have daily flights due to the region’s popularity as a British tourism favourite. The transition from travel to holiday can be extra smooth if you organise a Málaga airport transfer. By pre-booking a shared or private Málaga airport transfer before you leave home, you can be assured of a door-to-door ride to your hotel with no delays and none of the hassle of public transport.
This lovely city is best explored on foot, by wandering between these and other galleries and museums, to better understand its fascinating cultural fabric.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable Malaga airport transfer Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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