The Museo Picasso in Malaga is worthwhile for its extensive biographical detail on Pablo Picasso, tracing his life, political views, and changing styles, even if it does not display his greatest masterpieces.
Malaga as a destination in its own right
Many visitors see the Spanish city of Malaga as a gateway to the Costa Del Sol. It is, however, a destination in its own right, with several attractions worthy of your time, including the Alcazar, the Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theatre and the local branch of the Centre Pompidou.
Amongst these is the Museo Picasso.
What’s on display at the Museo Picasso
The Museo Picasso celebrates perhaps the most famous artist of the 20th century in his birthplace. The museum has hundreds of Pablo Picasso works on display, including outline sketches.
This is not, however, the museum to visit if you want to see Picasso’s masterpieces. These are on display in bigger museums elsewhere in the world. Guernica, for example, is in Madrid’s Reina Sofia.
Picasso’s changing styles
What the Museo Picasso does really well is showing how Picasso’s styles and inspirations changed over the decades. It shows an artist not content to stay still and churn out the same thing again and again.
Five great Malaga experiences to book
- 🏛️ Combine the Cathedral, Alcazaba and Roman Theatre on a city highlights tour.
- 🧖 Indulge in the Arabian Baths experience at Hammam al-Andalus.
- 🛴 Cover the city’s top attractions on a Segway tour.
- ⛰️ Take a guided excursion to the Caminito del Rey.
- 🍳 Learn how to make paella and sangria in a special culinary workshop.
Picasso’s life story
These stylistic changes are tied to his personal life. This unusual European art museum contains a wealth of biographic detail, with his politics and almost relentless philandering explored.
The Museo Picasso also looks as his impact as the world’s first celebrity artist. Picasso’s fame changed him, and the way art was treated in the media.
Museo Picasso opening times and ticket prices
For most of the year, the Museo Picasso is open from 10am to 7pm. It’s open for one hour more in the height of summer and one hour less in winter.
Tickets for the Museo Picasso cost €13.
These Museo Picasso opening hours and ticket prices were checked and verified in January 2026.
More Andalucia travel
Malaga activities worth considering include a wine and tapas tour, a catamaran cruise, and a city tour taking in the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and Cathedral.
Other Andalucia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- City guides to Granada and Almeria.
- Being wowed by Cordoba’s Mezquita.
- Getting into Granada’s Alhambra when the tickets have sold out.
- How the Caminito del Rey tour from Malaga works.
- Learning about the Spanish Inquisition in Granada’s Palacio de los Olvidados.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission.
