Attractions in Marbella

The Museo Picasso Málaga is run by the Fundación Museo Picasso de Málaga and the Fundación Paul, Christine y Bernard Ruiz-Picasso. Two factors made possible the Museo Picasso Málaga. On the one hand, the determination of the artist's heirs, Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, who were convinced that Picasso would have encouraged the initiative to establish a permanent exhibition centre for his works in his native city. On the other hand, the decisive support of the regional government of Andalusia, who not only understood the importance of highlighting in a clear and lasting way the artist's bond to his cultural and vernacular roots, but also spared no efforts to allow this compromise to materialise in the best manner possible.

As regards the heirs' determination to bring Picasso back to Malaga, two very significant precedents were set. The first was in 1992, when Christine Ruiz-Picasso, widow of the artist's eldest son Paul, enthusiastically headed the group of heirs whose support enabled the Picasso Clásico exhibition to take place in Malaga. The exhibition met with great international acclaim and was one of the most important exhibitions ever devoted to the artist in Spain. Two years later, in 1994, Christine Ruiz-Picasso once again took a decisive step in the right direction by proposing to show her private collection in Malaga, bringing about the exhibition Picasso. Primera Mirada. Colección Christine Ruiz-Picasso, which was such a success that it was subsequently displayed in Seville and Nimes, in 1995.

These two exhibitions were organised by Carmen Giménez and were sponsored by the regional government of Andalusia. Although it seemed to be a favourable moment to plan a possible permanent presence of Picasso's work in Malaga, the most difficult element was still missing: a suitable balance between Christine Ruiz-Picasso's wish to donate a significant number of Picasso's works and the need to accommodate them in appropriate conditions. The regional government of Andalusia rose to the occasion and responded to her generous gesture by articulating an ambitious project. The initiative therefore came from Christine Ruiz-Picasso, who then convinced her son Bernard, grandson of the artist. She was backed without hesitation by Carmen Calvo, then regional Minister for Culture of Andalusia, who consistently oversaw the complex and arduous process of overcoming all political, legal, administrative and economical hurdles in order to make the project come true. A wide range of people has contributed to the development of the Museo Picasso Málaga, but we would particularly like to highlight the predominant role played by Carmen Giménez, Director of the Museo Picasso Málaga.

Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso's donation was the cornerstone of the project. The Museum has opened its doors with an initial collection that amounts to a spectacular total of 204 pieces. Some of these are a downright donation, including 133 works donated by Christine Ruiz-Picasso (14 oil paintings, 9 sculptures, 44 drawings, a sketchbook of the Royan series comprising a further 36 drawings, 58 engravings and 7 ceramics) and 22 pieces donated by Bernard Ruiz-Picasso (5 oil paintings, 2 drawings, 10 engravings and 5 ceramics). This impressive group of works was complemented by a further 49 pieces (23 oil paintings, 2 sculptures, 7 drawings, 5 engravings and 12 ceramics) which were lent by the heirs to the Museum for a renewable ten year period.

Address
Palacio de Buenavista c/ San Agustín, 8 29015 Málaga, España
Tel: (34) 95 260 2731
Fax: (34) 95 260 4570

Opening hours
Tuesdays -Thursdays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Fridays - Saturdays: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sundays and Holidays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Closed Monday, December 25th, and January 1st
Ticket Desk will remain open until half an hour prior closing time.

Admission fees
Collection: 6.00 €
Exhibition: 4.50 €
Combined Fee: 8.00 €

Reduced fees (50%)
- Senior citizens
- Students up to 26 years old with student ID
- Children aged 10-16 accompanied by an adult
- Groups of more than 20 people