Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga

The Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga is installed in the Palacio de Villalón, a 16th-century Renaissance palace on Calle Compañía in the Centro Histórico of Málaga, Andalusia, Spain. The museum opened in March 2011 to display part of the collection of Carmen Cervera, Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza, with additional works from the Fundación Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza. The collection focuses on Spanish painting of the 19th century, with particular strength in Andalusian landscape, costumbrista scenes of regional customs, and Romantic and realist work. Artists represented include Ignacio Zuloaga, Joaquín Sorolla, Julio Romero de Torres and Mariano Fortuny, together with Málaga-linked painters of the period such as Emilio Ocón and Gonzalo Bilbao. The galleries are arranged thematically and chronologically, covering topics like landscapes, scenes of bullfighting and folklore, and the image of Andalusia in the Romantic era. The palace was restored to adapt it as a museum, preserving its Renaissance façade and courtyard and adding modern exhibition spaces. During the works, archaeologists uncovered Roman and medieval remains beneath the building, including parts of a Roman-period site and an Islamic-era structure, which can be seen in the basement. This gives the museum a double interest, combining art with the layers of the city's history. The building is in good condition and also hosts temporary exhibitions that extend the permanent display. A visit typically lasts about 1.5 hours, with audio guides available for the permanent collection. The museum is located a short walk from the cathedral and Plaza de la Constitución, making it easy to combine with other sights in the old town.