Welcome to the Carmen Thyssen Museum, a hidden gem in the heart of Malaga, Spain. This museum exhibits an extensive collection of 19th-century Spanish art, mainly from the Andalusian region. The museum was founded in 2011, and since then, it has become an essential stop for those who love art and history.
The History of the Museum
The museum was named after its founder, Carmen Cervera, the fifth wife of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, a renowned businessman and art collector. After the death of her husband in 2002, Carmen inherited a significant part of his art collection, which included many pieces of Spanish art. In 2004, Carmen started to loan pieces of art from her collection to Malaga’s Museum of Fine Arts. But given the popularity and success of the exhibition, Carmen decided to donate a part of her collection to the city of Malaga in 2011 to create the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
The Collection
The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other types of art from the 19th century. The majority of the art is from the Andalusian region, and it reflects the significant changes and developments during that period in southern Spain. Some of the most prominent artists in the collection are Francisco de Goya, Joaquín Sorolla, and Julio Romero de Torres, among many others.
Some Highlights
- Las Rosas Blancas by Julio Romero de Torres
- Retrato de niña by Joaquín Sorolla
- Sorolla’s painting of women on the beach
- Pescadora con niño by Emilio Sala
The Building
The museum is housed in the 16th-century Palacio de Villalón, a beautiful building in the historic center of Malaga. The building’s architecture is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, which makes it a perfect location for the museum. The Palacio de Villalón used to be the residence of some of the most important noble families in Malaga until 1942 when the city council bought it for public use.
Visiting the Carmen Thyssen Museum
If you’re planning to visit the museum, keep in mind that it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The ticket price is affordable, and you can buy them online in advance to avoid long lines at the museum’s entrance. The museum has an audio guide service for visitors to learn more about the art and the history behind the pieces in the collection.
If you’re traveling to Malaga and you’re looking for a cultural experience, don’t hesitate to visit the Carmen Thyssen Museum. You’ll immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Andalusian art while enjoying a beautiful building and a pleasant atmosphere.