The Thyssen Malaga Museum is a cultural treasure on the Costa del Sol. Its art collection and its privileged location in the city center make it a reference point for tourists. This artistic gem combines the essence of tradition and modernity, offering visitors a unique experience in the world of art.
The Thyssen Málaga Museum is part of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation, and houses an impressive collection that covers works from the 13th century to the 20th century. It was inaugurated in March 2011 in the Villalón Palace, a historic building from the 16th century, which is an architectural masterpiece.
The founding of the museum was the result of the generosity of Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, who lent part of her private collection for her exhibition in Malaga. The collaboration between the Baroness and the City Council has allowed the city to have an exceptional art collection that is constantly growing.
The Museo Thyssen Málaga is known for its valuable collection, which includes paintings by the masters of the Golden Age, as well as artists such as Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh. Among its most notable collections are the “Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection” and the “Permanent Collection”.
On your visit to the museum, you will be able to admire the evolution of art over the centuries, from the realism of the Middle Ages to impressionism and modern art. Each room is a journey through time and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of humanity.
In this article we will explore the Thyssen Málaga Museum; from its most iconic collections to its architecture, visiting hours and events. On our Free Tour of Malaga, it is an essential stop, and its visit, one of the first recommendations we make.
The Collections of the Thyssen Málaga Museum: Permanent and Temporary
When you visit the Museo Thyssen Málaga, you immerse yourself in a world of exceptional art that spans centuries of creativity and artistic expression. The museum houses a diverse selection of permanent collections and exciting temporary exhibitions that offer visitors a unique and enriching experience.
Permanent Exhibitions
The permanent collections of the Thyssen Málaga Museum are a testimony to the diversity and richness of art throughout the centuries. Here, visitors can explore masterpieces ranging from Gothic art to Impressionism and modern art. Notable permanent collections include:
- Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection: This collection is the heart of the museum and features an impressive array of Spanish masterpieces from the Golden Age. Featuring paintings by artists such as Zurbarán, Sorolla and Romero de Torres.
- Permanent Collection: Here you will find a diverse selection of European paintings from the 13th to 20th centuries, including works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, etc.
Modern Art Collection: This section focuses on modern art and features works by artists such as Picasso, Léger, Kandinsky and others, offering a fascinating insight into artistic evolution in the 20th century.
Temporary exhibitions
The Thyssen Málaga Museum is also known for its programming of high-level temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions offer a dynamic and fresh experience to visitors, with themes ranging from contemporary photography to experimental art. Each temporary exhibition is an opportunity to discover new perspectives and explore the works of internationally renowned contemporary and modern artists.
You may be drawn to classic works in permanent collections or seek the excitement of temporary exhibitions. Whatever your case, the Thyssen Málaga Museum offers you a complete and unique artistic experience. Each visit is an opportunity for discovery and a reminder of the immense richness and diversity of the art world.
Permanent collections itineraries
The impressive permanent collection of the Thyssen Málaga Museum includes a total of 230 works, organized into four fascinating itineraries:
- Old Masters: This first itinerary is located in the historic chapel of the Villalón Palace, and presents an outstanding selection of masterpieces ranging from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Among the illustrious artists represented are Jerónimo Ezquerra and Francisco de Zurbarán.
- Romantic Landscape and Costumbrismo: This tour takes us to the 19th century and offers a detailed look at the lifestyle in Andalusia at that time. Through captivating paintings, the region’s most deeply rooted traditions are explored, such as flamenco, bullfighting and festivities. Both national and foreign artists contribute to this unique vision of customs.
- Preciousness and Naturalist Landscape: In this itinerary, the profound evolution that Spanish painting experienced in the second half of the 19th century becomes evident. Here, small-format works and exuberant creations by artists such as Mariano Fortuny and José Benlliure coexist. You can also enjoy more realistic landscapes by Sánchez Perrier and Carlos de Haes.
- End of the Century: This last tour houses a selection of works that marked the artistic transition from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th. Among the protagonists are renowned painters such as Joaquín Sorolla, Darío de Regoyos, Francisco Iturrino, Ignacio Zuloaga and Julio Romero de Torres. His works capture the essence of an era of change and artistic experimentation.
Exploring these four routes within the permanent collection of the Thyssen Málaga Museum is an enriching experience. You will immerse yourself in the richness and diversity of art throughout history, offering a unique insight into each period and artistic style.
Main educational activities: Learning through art
The Thyssen Málaga Museum is not only a place to contemplate masterpieces, but also a dynamic space where learning and education play a fundamental role. Throughout the year, the museum offers a variety of educational activities to enrich the experience of visitors of all ages. Below, we present the most notable ones:
- Guided Tours: The museum organizes guided tours for both groups and individual visitors. These tours are led by art experts who give you a deeper understanding of the works on display. You can explore different themes, artistic periods or specific collections.
- Creative Workshops: Workshops are a great way to get actively involved with art. The museum offers workshops for children and adults, where you can experiment with artistic techniques and create your own work inspired by the museum’s collections.
- Educational Programs for Schools: The Thyssen Málaga Museum supports artistic and cultural education in schools. It offers educational programs designed specifically for students, giving them the opportunity to explore art in a stimulating environment.
- Lecture Series: If you want to delve deeper into artistic topics, the museum organizes lecture series by experts. These talks provide valuable information about art movements and notable artists.
- Educational Virtual Tours: If you cannot visit the museum in person, the Thyssen Málaga Museum also offers virtual tours. These allow you to explore the collections and temporary exhibitions from anywhere in the world, providing access to a global audience.
The educational activities at the Thyssen Málaga Museum offer you the opportunity to learn, create and connect in a meaningful way with art and culture. These enriching experiences make your museum visit even more memorable and educational.
The Thyssen Málaga Museum in the International Artistic Community
The Thyssen Málaga Museum has managed to stand out as a renowned destination in the international artistic community. Over the years, the museum has cultivated valuable relationships with artists and art critics, cementing its position on the global stage of culture and creativity.
The museum has hosted temporary exhibitions of great international relevance. These exhibitions have featured works by world-renowned artists and attracted visitors and experts from around the world. Collaboration with other cultural institutions and museums has allowed the museum to bring unique pieces and contribute to global artistic dialogues.
As part of its commitment to contemporary artistic creation, the museum has established artist residency programs that attract emerging and established artists from around the world. These programs provide the opportunity to create new works inspired by the museum’s environment and collections.
The Thyssen Málaga Museum has worked closely with contemporary artists to create innovative artistic projects. These collaborations often result in unique exhibitions and works of art that enrich the city’s cultural offering.
The museum is an active participant in international artistic events and conferences. Through these participations, he has become an important contributor to discussions about art and culture on a global level.
In addition, the museum has attracted the attention of private collectors and donors who have contributed to its growth and enrichment. These supports have allowed the museum to acquire significant works and expand its influence in the art world.
The Thyssen Málaga Museum is an important cultural destination in Spain, but it also plays a crucial role in promoting art and culture internationally.
Visit the Thyssen Málaga Museum: Schedule, rate and other activities
The price of tickets for the Thyssen Málaga Museum is 10 euros for general admission and 6 euros for reduced admission. This special rate is applicable to people over 65 years of age, pensioners, students under 26 years of age, holders of the Euro Youth Card and for residents of the province of Malaga.
Both general admission and discounted admission offer full access to the Thyssen Museum, including both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Additionally, both options include a convenient audio guide and the opportunity to join guided tours organized by the museum.
You can purchase tickets on the museum premises, although you may want to avoid this option due to the long lines. We recommend you buy them online from the Carmen Thyssen Málaga Museum website.
Hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays, except holidays, as well as on December 25, January 1 and January 6.
Entry to the Thyssen Málaga Museum is free for children under 18 years of age, people with a disability greater than 33%, unemployed, students of the University of Málaga, teachers and students of Fine Arts or Art History, journalists and guides with official accreditation.
In addition, access is free to the public on Sundays from 5:00 p.m., and on February 28, March 24, May 18 and September 27.
In the surroundings, you will find many activities to do and emblematic places to visit. We recommend taking a guided tour of Malaga to discover essential places in the city such as the Cathedral of La Encarnación, the Roman Theater or the Alcazaba of Malaga.