MUSEO PICASSO MALAGA

In the heart of the old town, in this sumptuous ^16th-century palace, to which new exhibition rooms, an auditorium, a projection room and a bookshop have been added, now houses the fourth museum in the world dedicated to Pablo Picasso. Picasso's prolific oeuvre covers all periods and all media: from the early 1920s to the 1970s, from simple sketches to finished paintings, from the artist's experiments with ceramics to sculpture, not forgetting a few engravings. At the age of 14, according to his parents, Pablo Picasso was already painting like Raphaël, but he spent the rest of his life (until the age of 92) painting like a child... This heterogeneity of the works exhibited (and not always signed, since the master often signed his works when they were sold), most of which are still unknown to the general public, presents Picasso from a more intimate angle, in his daily and family life. This aspect is all the more disturbing as it is presented just a few yards from the artist's birthplace. The 233 works in the permanent collection, generously donated (some on loan) by Christine Ruiz-Picasso (the widow of Picasso's son Paulo) and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso (Picasso's grandson), occupy the walls of the old part of the palace, where the woodwork on the ceiling is remarkable. Thematic exhibitions devoted to Picasso, his colleagues and contemporary art in general are on the program and on display in adjoining rooms. Temporary exhibitions are renewed every three months: when the museum was inaugurated, "Le Picasso des Picasso" brought together all the works present in the artist's studio at the time of his death (and since then scattered around the world); "Picasso, Anthologie 1895-1971" shows the evolution of the genius... If this is not the greatest Picasso museum, its content is exceptional and the construction of the tour very well done.

Tip. We recommend taking the audioguide, which presents the different stages in the painter's life, the breaks in his art and the problems he faced in his work, in a clear and precise manner. Not to be missed when in Málaga. You'll also appreciate the innovative architectural design, the terrace bar and the bookshop. Archaeology enthusiasts will also find something to suit their tastes here, as ruins dating from the Phoenician, Roman and Arab eras were unearthed during the excavation of the basement prior to construction work, and now form an integral part of the museum.