Discovering Picasso’s roots in Málaga, Andalusia
Not only is Málaga ‘idyllic’, it is an essential destination for an ‘immersion tour’ of Picasso’s life

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, and museums across Europe and the US are “pulling out all the stops” to celebrate his life and work. Among the most essential destinations on any “immersion tour” is Málaga, says Andrew Ferren in The New York Times. Picasso was born in this Andalusian city, and though his family moved to A Coruña, in northern Spain, when he was nine, he always “considered himself a malagueño”. It was in Málaga that his artistic gift was first recognised by his father, José Ruiz y Blasco, a painter and art teacher, and aspects of the city and its “deeply layered” heritage would appear repeatedly in his work.
Málaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the seventh century BC, and you can get a powerful sense of its ancient roots and the “idyllic” aspects of life here by visiting the Roman theatre and the Moorish hilltop fortress, the Alcazaba, with its elegant arcades, “lush” gardens and “countless” fountains. For an “amazingly thorough and detailed chronicle” of the city’s history, head to the Museum of Málaga, where there’s a particularly strong collection of paintings depicting scenes – “raucous” celebrations after bullfights, elegant garden parties and so on – from the era of Picasso’s childhood (he was born in 1881). Yet more essential is a visit to his childhood home, the Casa Natal, where there are exhibitions of his prints, drawings and sketchbooks, and also of family heirlooms and photos.
Picasso left Spain during the Civil War in the 1930s and – an enemy of the Franco government – never returned. Plans to establish a museum of his work in Málaga in the 1950s were quashed by the regime, and it was not until 2003 that the Museo Picasso Málaga opened, spearheading a wave of openings (including a satellite branch of the Pompidou Centre) that has electrified the city’s cultural scene. Housed in a 16th century palace, it tells the story of the artist’s career through an astonishingly diverse collection of 250 works.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter for destination inspiration and the latest news and trends
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Jasveen Sangha and the ketamine 'Wild West' of Hollywood
In The Spotlight Arrest of the 'ketamine queen' accused of supplying Friends star Matthew Perry with deadly dose has turned spotlight on a showbiz drug problem
-
Confessions of a Brain Surgeon: an 'exceptional' documentary
The Week Recommends Retired neurosurgeon Henry Marsh reflects on his pioneering work with exquisitely 'raw honesty'
-
A new subtype of diabetes was found and it may require different treatment
Under the radar It is prevalent in Black Africans and Americans
-
Book reviews: 'King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution' and 'Gwyneth: The Biography'
Feature How the Iranian Revolution began and Gwyneth Paltrow's life in the spotlight
-
Garrett Graff's 6 favorite books that shine new light on World War II
Feature The author recommends works by James D. Hornfischer, Craig L. Symonds, and more
-
6 stylish homes in North Carolina
Feature Featuring a house with ocean views in Duck and a 1848 cotton-mill-turned-condo in Saxapahaw
-
Weapons: Julia Garner stars in 'hyper-eerie' psychological thriller
The Week Recommends Zach Cregger's 'top notch' new film opens with 17 children disappearing at exactly the same time
-
Freakier Friday: Lohan and Curtis reunite for 'uneven' but 'endearing' sequel
The Week Recommends Mother-and-daughter comedy returns with four characters switching bodies
-
Critics' choice: Outstanding new Japanese restaurants
Feature An all-women sushi team, a 15-seat listening bar, and more
-
Oz at the Sphere: AI's latest conquest
Feature The Las Vegas Sphere is reimagining The Wizard of Oz with the help of AI
-
Book reviews: 'Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji' and 'Blood Harmony: The Everly Brothers Story'
Feature The surprising history of emojis and the brother duo who changed pop music