Casa Natal Picasso - Birthplace Museum Malaga

Ceramic souvenirs from the "Casa Natal" or birthplace of Picasso. © Michelle Chaplow
Ceramic souvenirs from the "Casa Natal" or birthplace of Picasso.

Picasso Birthplace Museum

The Picasso foundation,  Plaza de la Merced

The Picasso foundation,
Plaza de la Merced

The "Casa Natal" or birthplace of the world famous artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso has been an official heritage site since 1983. It is situated in Plaza de la Merced, in the heart of the historic centre of Malaga. The area is surrounded by monuments from Malaga's rich past such as the Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro Castle with its breathtaking views over the city, as well as the Alcazaba, an Arabian fort which is now home to the Archaeological Museum. It is also just a couple of minutes walk from Malaga Cathedral and literally round the corner from the well known Cervantes Theatre and not far from the larger Picasso Museum.

HISTORY

Built in 1861, Picasso's father, José Ruiz Blasco rented the first floor of the house from 1880 to 1883. Later they lived nearby, still in the Plaza de Merced and it was not until 1891 when Jose Ruiz is offered a job as an art teacher in La Coruña that the family moved to Galicia, where they stayed until 1895.

In 1998 the historic building was taken over by the Picasso Foundation and officially re-opened by the King and Queen of Spain. Since then it has become an important research centre, as well as a monument to the life and work of Picasso and the headquarters for the Picasso Foundation.

Read about the life of Picasso, in particular his connection with Malaga.

The Museum

On the ground floor is the temporary exhibition hall where you can see interesting artifacts from the beginning of Picasso's home and cultural life. The first floor has many works on show by the artist and his father, Jose Ruiz Blasco, as well as personal mementos of the Picasso family. The third floor is dedicated to the library and Research Centre, with an expansive archive of material on the artist and his work.

As well as Picasso's prints and ceramics, you can see his graphic art from the period 1931 - 1971 and illustrated books. Altogether with some 3,500 examples of contemporary art exhibited by over 200 artists, including a large selection of graphic art by: Miró, Christo, Bacon, Brossa, Ernst, Tápies, Chillida, Plensa, Dokoupil, Guinovart, Matta, Moore, etc. Many contemporary Malaga artists from the 1950's to the present day are represented, such as; Barbadillo, Brinkmann, Peinado, Stefan, Joaquín de Molina, Robert Harvey, Diego Santos, Carlos Durán, Bola Barrionuevo, Chema Lumbreras, Joaquín Ivars y Rogelio López Cuenca. All this, makes a visit to this historic house and art gallery, truly worth visiting.

The aim of the Foundation is to acquire more art works each year, with a view to eventually having the complete collection of Picasso's graphic art under one roof to show the different periods and techniques in sequence. There are also regular events such as national and international exhibitions and conferences held here - all relating to Picasso in some way. The well stocked and maintained library and research centre are also within the building.

Guided tours including Picasso birthplace museum

Guided tours including Picasso birthplace museum

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday, from 9.30 to 20.00 hrs
24th and 31 December 09.30 to 15.00 hrs
Closed 1st Jan and 25th Dec

Entrance

Buy entrance tickets for Picasso birthplace museum

Museum 3 Euro
Temporary exhibitions (in the Exhibition Room at No 13 Plaza de la Merced): 3 Euro
Combined ticket: 4 Euro

Free for everyone on Sundays from 16.00 to 20.00
Fee everyday for Senior citizens, Youths under 18 (accompanied by an adult), Students up to 26 years old with student ID, Unemployed

Contact

Tel: + 34 951 92 60 60

Temporary Museum Exhibitions in Malaga Museums

Location

Casa Natal de Picasso (Fundación Picasso)
Plaza de la Merced
Málaga