Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of modern art – let’s get that disclaimer out of the way.
So it’s perhaps surprising, I found myself at the Center Pompidou in Malaga, on a winter Saturday afternoon.
Having walked past so many times, and wondering what treasures lie inside, I finally caved in and went to check it out with my family.
The centre is hard to miss – it lies hidden under the colourful cube at the start of Muelle Uno. The art centre is an extension of its more well-known sister Center Pompidou in Paris and was originally planned as a temporary structure to hold exhibitions of modern art.
The museum is located underground, with no natural light peeking through, apart from the central courtyard under the colourful cube. It feels a bit like entering a dark dungeon.
It has a very minimalist modern design, with large exhibition rooms inside, and an exit through a gift shop. It feels very modern and somewhat unwelcoming.
They are currently holding exhibitions of Spanish modern art, ‘from Miro to Barcelo’ until the end of February, which also contains works by Picasso. All of the planned exhibitions are displayed on their homepage.
I’m not an expert on modern art, so won’t be commenting on the artwork displayed – best if you visit and judge yourself.
Having visited the Picasso Museum previously, this exhibition center felt really life-less and almost empty in comparison. Both of these have the same entrance fees, but I felt like the Picasso Museum had a lot more to offer.
The art centre is not big by any means, just a handful of large rooms, and it made me feel like it was half empty – perhaps that was the way to make the artwork stand out. Needless to say, we were out in less than half an hour, being most impressed by the selection of books and gift items in their gift shop.
If you want to test it out and see for yourself, they have free entrance every Sunday, see details below.
Centre Pompidou in Malaga: Visitor Information
Entrance fees: 9 euro for a combined ticket, individual tickets for exhibitions are also available. Free entrance for the general public every Sunday from 4 pm until closing time. You can buy your tickets online on their website.
Location: Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, Malaga (start of Muelle Uno)
Opening hours: every day except Tuesday, from 9.30 am to 8 pm.
Visitor guidelines: it’s not allowed to enter with food, sharp objects (umbrellas) or big backpacks. There are lockers available for visitors. No entry with animals. Photography is allowed.
More Places to Explore in Malaga
The Glamorous Gran Hotel Palacio Miramar, Malaga
Dining at Muelle Uno: Cambara Restaurant, Malaga
Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga
Hotel Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
Where is Malaga? All Your Questions Answered
