Room in the Picasso Museum in Malaga © Andalucía
The permanent collection visitors may admire at the Picasso Museum in Malaga is the greatest collection of the genius Malaga artist’s work in Spain. More than 200 paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and engravings bear witness to the long, prolific career of the artist, from his academic roots to the last paintings of the 1960s.
The majority of works are donated from the private collections of Christine Ruiz-Picasso, the artist’s daughter-in-law, and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, his grandson. During their visit to the museum’s twelve exhibition rooms, visitors can enjoy some works previously unseen by the public such as the paintings Naturaleza muerta geométrica con partitura (Dead geometrical nature with score)(1921) and Olga sentada (Olga in an armchair) (1923). In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also offers a select programme of temporary exhibitions.
In addition to viewing Picasso’s work, the museum also offers visitors the chance to visit an elegant complex of buildings whose main attraction is the Buenavista Palace. It is an excellent example of 16th century Andalusian civil architecture, combining elements of Renaissance and Mudejar styles. In 1953, Picasso himself chose this building as a possible site to set up a museum in his native city. Designated National Monument, the palace houses not only the permanent collection, but also a projection room, bookshop and opens onto the garden, a perfect spot to relax and have some light refreshments.
In 1998, while the building was being refurbished and equipped, important Phoenician, Roman and Moorish ruins were discovered. Most of the artifacts found are on display inside. The museum complex also includes some twenty refurbished historic buildings alongside the palace. In this way the exceptional art gallery is fully integrated in Malaga's historic old town, at the foot of its famous Alcazaba (fortress) and next to the Roman theatre and Renaissance cathedral. Picasso inherited Malaga’s rich cultural heritage. A stroll through the Costa del Sol capital will help you understand how the brilliant artist relates to his cultural roots. In the Plaza de la Merced (square), also located in the old town, you can find the house where Picasso was born, along with Santiago church, where he was baptized. Also nearby is the Judería neighbourhood, which has been recovered thanks to the gallery project. All these are emblematic sites that inspired much of the work of Picasso, considered the greatest genius of 20th century universal art.
Malaga and Picasso, soul and feeling united in an explosion of colour, beauty and art, enchanting visitors with their Mediterranean passion.