Museo de Málaga (Malaga Museum), Malaga

The Malaga Museum (Museo de Malaga) is a cultural powerhouse that combines art and archaeology under one roof. Established in 1973, it merges two former institutions: the Provincial Museum of Fine Arts and the Provincial Archaeological Museum. With over 2,000 works in its Fine Arts collection and a staggering 15,000 archaeological artifacts, it became the largest museum in Andalusia and the fifth largest in Spain when it opened to the public in December 2016. Housed in the historic Customs Palace (Palacio de la Aduana), the museum offers visitors an extensive exploration of artistic and historical treasures.

The Fine Arts collection traces its origins to a 1913 Royal Decree aimed at establishing provincial fine arts museums in underserved capitals. The museum officially opened on February 3, 1915, and initially operated from a temporary location on Pedro de Toledo Street before relocating to the Jesuit College of San Sebastián in 1920. Subsequent moves included the Buenavista Palace in 1961 and, finally, the Customs Palace in 1997. Notable works in this section include masterpieces by Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Goya, Joaquin Sorolla, and Pablo Picasso, alongside other celebrated artists like Francisco de Zurbaran, Bartolome Esteban Murillo, and Luis de Morales.

The Archaeological section was officially established in 1947 and integrates collections from the 19th-century Loringian Museum—derived from the private collection of the Marquesses of Casa-Loring—and artifacts from provincial archaeological digs. Initially displayed at the Alcazaba of Malaga, the collection was relocated several times due to renovations, including a temporary stint at the Trinity Convent and later the provincial historical archive at Avenida de Europa. Highlights of the collection include relics from the Alcazaba excavations and other significant provincial sites.

By seamlessly blending fine arts and archaeology, the Malaga Museum provides an unparalleled insight into Andalusian heritage, from classical antiquity to modern artistry, cementing its status as a must-visit cultural landmark.

Why You Should Visit:
Cool & airy inside, with lots of items on show over 3 floors: paintings, sculptures, models, archeological items, religious items, pots, jewelry, to name but a few!
Many of the other beautiful tourist places in Málaga could learn from this museum because the English translations are excellent, even on the videos.
And you can't beat the price – free for EU citizens and €1.50 for others.

Tip:
Maybe make two visits rather than try to take it all in at once.