Is it worth visiting the Centre Pompidou Málaga?

Is it worth visiting the Centre Pompidou Malaga? A review of the art collections and the history behind this colorful landmark.

The Centre Pompidou Málaga is one of the most striking cultural landmarks in Andalucia. Known locally as El Cubo (the cube), the glass structure with its colourful panels sits on the city’s waterfront and houses a branch of Paris’s famous Centre Pompidou. Since opening in 2015, it has become a focal point of Málaga’s surprisingly impressive cultural scene, along with the Museo Picasso, the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle.

• Skip the explanation and book your Centre Pompidou Málaga tickets here.

A modern landmark on the harbour

The building’s exterior is hard to miss. Its glass panels in red, yellow, green, and blue cast colourful reflections on the surrounding pavement, making it a popular photo spot. But the cube is only the entrance. Below ground lies the exhibition space, where visitors can explore works of modern and contemporary art in a calm, light-filled environment.

What’s inside the museum

The permanent collection features highlights from the Centre Pompidou in Paris, covering the 20th and 21st centuries. Expect pieces by major names such as Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Francis Bacon, alongside temporary exhibitions that bring fresh perspectives and new themes each season. Installations, photography, film, and painting are all represented, making the museum varied and accessible.

• Avoid the ticket booth queues by booking your tickets in advance.

Why visit during a trip to Málaga

Málaga has reinvented itself in recent years as a city of museums, and the Centre Pompidou is at the heart of this transformation. Its location at Muelle Uno, the modern marina, means it can be easily combined with a stroll along the waterfront, shopping, or dining at one of the many nearby restaurants. For travellers interested in both culture and leisure, it offers the ideal balance.

Centre Pompidou Málaga opening times and ticket prices

This relatively new European art museum is open from 9am to 8pm daily except Tuesdays. Tickets are reasonably priced, costing €9 for adults, and there are discounts for students, seniors, and families. The space is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps throughout. To avoid queues, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance, particularly during weekends and holidays.

These opening hours and prices were checked and updated in January 2026.

FAQs about the Centre Pompidou Málaga

• Where is the Centre Pompidou Málaga located? It is in the port area of Málaga, at Muelle Uno, a short walk from the city centre.
• What kind of art does it display? The museum features modern and contemporary works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Can you take photos inside? Photography without flash is allowed in most areas, though restrictions may apply to some temporary exhibitions.
• Is the museum suitable for children? Yes, there are family-friendly activities and interactive exhibits aimed at younger visitors.
• How much time should I allow? Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 2 hours exploring the exhibitions.

Things to do near the Centre Pompidou Málaga

The Centre Pompidou Málaga sits at the edge of the historic port area, with many of the city’s most important sights within walking distance. These nearby attractions make it easy to build a wider itinerary around a gallery visit.

Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle
Rising above the city, the Alcazaba is a well preserved Moorish fortress with courtyards, gardens and viewpoints. Above it, Gibralfaro Castle offers wider views over Málaga and the coastline, and is often visited in combination with the Alcazaba.

Roman Theatre
At the foot of the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre dates from the 1st century BC and provides a clear link between Málaga’s Roman and Islamic pasts. It can be viewed easily while walking between other nearby sights.

Museo Picasso Málaga
Located in the historic centre, this museum is dedicated to Málaga’s most famous artist. The collection spans much of Picasso’s career and is housed in a restored palace.

Málaga Cathedral
A short walk inland, the cathedral dominates the old town with its Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Known locally for its unfinished south tower, it remains one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Muelle Uno
Next to the Centre Pompidou, this redeveloped harbour area offers a pleasant waterside walk with cafés, shops and views back towards the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro.

More Andalucia travel articles

Other southern Spain travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• How to see the Nasrid Palaces in Granada when Alhambra tickets have sold out.
• How the Caminito del Rey tour from Malaga works.
• Does the Almeria to Granada train make for a viable day trip?
• Trying to understand the culture of bullfighting in Seville’s bullring.
• Five things to do in Cordoba once you’ve seen the Mezquita.