The Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga is housed in the Palacio de Villalón, a 16th-century Renaissance palace on Calle Compañía in the Centro Histórico of Málaga, in Spain's Andalusia region. The museum opened in 2011 to display the collection of Carmen Cervera, Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza, with a strong focus on 19th-century Spanish painting and especially Andalusian art. Visitors move through galleries covering landscape painting, costumbrista scenes of everyday regional life, Romantic views of Andalusia, and works by artists such as Julio Romero de Torres, Joaquín Sorolla and Ignacio Zuloaga. Themes include bullfighting, flamenco, rural traditions and the Andalusian light that attracted foreign travellers. The restored palace itself is part of the visit, with its patios, stonework and timber ceilings, and an archaeological site beneath the building, with Roman and medieval remains, can be seen on a combined ticket. Temporary exhibitions broaden the programme through the year. A visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The best vantage point is the central courtyard, which is also the usual spot for photographs of the architecture, though photography of the paintings may be restricted. Crowds are modest by comparison with the Picasso museums, with weekday mornings the quietest period and Sunday afternoons busy because of free entry from 16:00. The museum is closed on Mondays, 25 December, 1 January and 6 January, with last admission 30 minutes before the 20:00 closing time. General admission is €12, or €15 including the archaeological site, with €8 for reduced tickets, sold at entradas.carmenthyssenmalaga.org.
| Admission | €12 (~$13.8) general (€15 (~$17.25) with the archaeological site), €8 (~$9.2) reduced; free Sundays from 16:00; tickets at entradas.carmenthyssenmalaga.org |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Sun 10:00–20:00; closed Mondays, 25 Dec, 1 Jan and 6 Jan (last admission 30 min before closing) |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday morning; the 19th-century Andalusian painting collection is the main draw |
| Getting there | Walk 3 min from Plaza de la Constitución |
| Address | Calle Compañía, 10, 29008 Málaga, Spain |
Location
Calle Compañía, 10, 29008 Málaga, Spain
36.7213, -4.4228 View on map
Highlights
- Andalusian 19th-century painting collection
- Works by Romero de Torres, Sorolla and Zuloaga
- Renaissance Palacio de Villalón with patios
- Archaeological site beneath the building on combined ticket
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online at entradas.carmenthyssenmalaga.org
- Go on a weekday morning for the quietest galleries
- Remember the museum closes on Mondays
- Consider the €15 ticket to include the archaeological site
- Free entry on Sundays from 16:00 means larger crowds
When to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Sunday afternoons are busy due to free entry.
Accessibility
The museum has been adapted for visitors with reduced mobility, with lifts between floors and step-free routes in most galleries. Visitors with specific needs can confirm arrangements with the museum in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors need 1.5 to 2 hours to see the permanent collection and any temporary exhibition.
Is the museum open on Mondays?
No. It is closed on Mondays, as well as on 25 December, 1 January and 6 January.
Is photography allowed?
Photography rules for the artworks can be restricted, so visitors should check with staff at the entrance.