Carmen Thyssen Málaga Museum
The Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, opened in 2011, is a landmark of Málaga’s cultural transformation, showcasing 19th- and 20th-century Spanish art while fostering creativity, dialogue and participation.
The Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga is a vibrant cultural institution dedicated to 19th- and early 20th-century Spanish painting, with a particular focus on Andalusian art. Opened in 2011, it combines private and public commitment in the form of municipal sponsorship, reflecting Málaga’s ambition to transform its image from a beach destination into a city of culture.
The museum is housed in the extensively restored 16th-century Palacio de Villalón, complemented by a modern extension that provides functional exhibition space. Excavations during the renovation uncovered traces of Roman occupation, adding a deeper historical layer to the site. Today, the museum is home to more than 200 works from the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, offering visitors a rich journey through costumbrismo, Romantic landscapes, preciosismo, and modernist painting.
More than a gallery of paintings, the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga has become a dynamic meeting place for knowledge, creativity and dialogue. Innovative temporary exhibitions and a highly committed educational programme engage visitors of all ages with themes such as equality, diversity, social responsibility, environment, sustainability and peace. Projects like the participatory Sala Noble invite collaboration with contemporary creators, encouraging dialogue on pressing issues through installations and artistic reflection.
With its harmonious blend of historic setting, artistic excellence and forward-looking public role, the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga has quickly become a central cultural institution in the city. As a DASA Award candidate in 2023, it is recognised as a model for how museums can combine heritage, creativity and community engagement to inspire reflection and participation.