Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga

This museum houses the private collection of one Carmen Cervera, a 1960's beauty queen who married the Baron Von Thyssen-Bornemisza. Between them, they are some of Spain's most important art collectors and philanthropists. This collection grew from the 1980's and focusses on native Spanish artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The building is a converted renaissance palace, the Palacio de Villalon. It was adapted from 2007-11 with public funds to house the loan of the private collection. The main Thyssen collection is housed in their museum in Madrid. This particular collection is well worth a visit for art lovers as it offers a great view of how Spanish painting evolved in the 19th century from lyrical romanticism and started to absorb more mainstream European styles. It especially features Andaluz artists and themes and offers quite a unique window into the history of art that reflects Andalucian society in this period. A range of landscape and social themes are covered in a variety of styles, and it is an eye-opening and refreshing collection of an era and style not properly represented anywhere else. There is an ample temporary exhibition space on the top floor where paintings related to the era and Spanish art in general appear, making this smallish museum surprisingly engaging and rich. It is very central and you can happily pass a couple of hours or more here right in the old historic centre of town. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 1000 to 2000 hours. The permanent exhibition is 6,00€, 3.50€ for concessions and temporary exhibitions. You can buy a combined ticket for the main collection and the temporary exhibition for 9,00€, 5,00€ concessions.