Carmen Thyssen Museum (Museo Carmen Thyssen)

The basics

Housing more than 200 artworks from the 13th to the 20th centuries, the Carmen Thyssen permanent collection centers on 19th-century Andalucian and Spanish art, and includes works by Zurbarán, de Regoyos, and de Torres. Other sections feature additional Old Masters, Romantic landscapes, and 19th-century costumbrismo (relating to customs) and préciosité (baroque-style) paintings, all displayed around the beautiful palace and purpose-built annex.

You can pre-book museum entry or opt for a private tour with a guide. Other options included guided and self-guided audio tours around Malaga, which include stops at the Palacio de Villalón to see its exterior and learn its history.

Things to know before you go

• Allow 2-3 hours to explore the museum, depending on your art-viewing style.

• Free audio guides to the permanent collection are available.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

• On-site amenities include free Wi-Fi, restrooms, a cloakroom, shop, and café.

How to get there

The Carmen Thyssen stands in the Plaza de Carmen Thyssen on the Calla Compania in Malaga’s historic quarter. As the area is largely pedestrianized, the best way here is on foot. If you’re driving, you’ll find several parking garages within easy walking distance. Otherwise, ride Malaga’s subway to Atarazanas or catch a bus to the Pasillo de Santa Isabel stop—both are a 5-minute walk from the museum; you can also take the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus.

When to get there

The Carmen Thyssen is generally open morning to evening Tuesday-Sunday, year-round. That said, different hours can apply around Christmas, so it’s worth double-checking December and early January opening times. The museum attracts the most visitors in the late mornings and early afternoons, but is generally pretty quiet. If you’re on a budget, entry is free on Sundays between 4-8pm, though the museum is understandably busy at this time.

Highlights at the Carmen Thyssen Museum

The Carmen Thyssen has a number of unmissable artworks, including Santa Marina by 16th-century artist Francisco de Zurbarán, Velazquez’ 1855 Goring at a Village Bullfight, and works by Mariano Fortuny. Allow time, too, to admire the Palacio de Villalón itself. This elegant mansion stands on the archaeological site of a Roman villa, and boasts a gorgeous columned central courtyard and wooden ceilings, among other notable features.