Enter the world of Picasso, and explore the Spanish painter’s birthplace in the heart of Andalusia, in Malaga.
Located in the Andalusian coastal city of Malaga, Picasso’s birthplace is a cultural landmark not to be missed. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in Picasso’s history and childhood, while also discovering previously unpublished works, as well as the work of his peers.
Indeed, the museum in Picasso’s birthplace houses works by other influential artists such as Bacon and Ernst. The visit thus combines Picasso’s intimate life, his outside influences and his legacy in Art.
So, are you ready to find out more about the roots of this artistic genius? In this new guide, we take a look at all the essential information you need to know to make your visit to Picasso’s birthplace easier.
Picasso’s birthplace
Photo credit: Shutterstock – joserpizarro
Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in 1881 in the Merced square in Malaga, Andalusia. It’s here, at number 13 (extended to 15), that you can discover the » casa natal « . The son of a painting teacher at Malaga’s School of Arts and Crafts, little Pablo Picasso grew up in a creative environment.
So it’s the house where he spent the first four years of his life that we invite you to discover during a trip to the region.
It wasn’t until 1983 that the place officially became an artistic monument. That same year, it welcomed its first visitors in a single exhibition room. Over the years, the museum has expanded to take over the entire building.
More than twenty years later, in 2005, Picasso’s birthplace opened a second exhibition room to the public, adjacent to the first.
Our tips for visiting Picasso’s birthplace
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Tajchman
Accessible to all types of public, all generations are welcome at this Spanish cultural landmark. To make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible, here are our tips for visiting Picasso’s birthplace.
The best time to visit Picasso’s birthplace
If you’d like to visit the museum at the weekend or during the high season, we recommend a morning visit. Indeed, like any tourist spot, Picasso’s birthplace tends to fill up in the afternoons.
Duration of a visit to Picasso’s birthplace
The « casa natal » is not a huge museum, but rather an intimate setting. Allow 1h to 1h30 for a tour. Of course, take your time to stroll through this creative environment from another time, and don’t hesitate to stay long enough to discover everything.
Practical information
- Unauthorized photos and videos are not permitted;
- It is forbidden to bring food, drinks or bulky parcels;
- Picasso’s birthplace is suitable for people with reduced mobility. Nevertheless, there are some obstacles in the building due to its historical character. If necessary, our staff will be happy to help you get around.
- The museum does not accept pets;
What can you do when you visit Picasso’s birthplace?
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Palickap
Discover the permanent collection, which includes works of art as well as personal objects from Picasso’s life. Then get off the beaten track by exploring the temporary exhibition(s) of the moment!
The permanent exhibition
There are six different rooms in Picasso’s birthplace.
Each tells the story of Picasso and his relationship with art over the years. The rooms follow one another, offering visitors a thematic tour. The city of Malaga was always at the heart of Picasso’s inspiration, and even after he left the house, he returned regularly. This is how the visit is built!
- You’ll start with a room looking back at Picasso’s birth and the first four years of his life.
- The second room highlights the artist’s parents, José Ruiz Blasco and María Picasso López.
- The third room looks at Picasso’s family in the broadest sense, and the influence it had on the Spanish painter’s work.
- Continue on to rooms 4 and 5, where Picasso’s home town takes center stage. You’ll find photos, postcards and elements of everyday life in the 19th century.
- Finally, the last room of the permanent exhibition looks back at Picasso’s entire life and his place in the Spanish artistic world. This last room gives a more concrete account of the atmosphere in Spain at the time, and how Picasso was influenced by it.
Temporary exhibitions
As in any museum, temporary exhibitions come and go over time.
For example, you can discover exhibitions linked to Picasso and literature, highlighting his interest in poetry. Other exhibitions are planned for the coming months. Don’t hesitate to visit the website of Picasso’s birthplace to find out more before you come, or just let yourself be surprised!
Fun activities
Picasso’s birthplace offers fun activities for young and old alike. Express your artistic talents in a creative workshop based on Picasso’s art!
This free activity is offered exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays.
Please note that the activities on offer change several times a year, but all offer an immersion in the painter’s creative genius.
Documentation center
Would you like to research Picasso or cubism, for example? Then visit the documentation center, where you can carry out your research. You’ll find books, catalogs and articles, as well as other useful Picasso-related resources.
How much does a ticket to Picasso’s birthplace cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alexandr Medvedkov
Tickets can be purchased on site, online or by telephone. Tours can be guided (free of charge!) or self-guided.
Admission to the museum costs €3 to explore the permanent collection. It also costs €3 to explore the temporary exhibition, located in the next room. However, if you plan to do a combined visit of the two, the total price is €4. That’s a real bargain!
If you are eligible for a reduced rate (large family, senior citizens aged 65 and over, students up to 26), the prices are as follows: €2 for a guided tour of the permanent collection, €2 for a guided tour of the temporary exhibition, and €2.50 for a combined tour of both.
Admission is free for under-18s.
Admission is also free on certain days of the year:
- Andalusia Day (February 28)
- Noche en blanco (May, variable date)
- International Museum Day (May 18)
- International Tourism Day (September 27)
- Commemoration of the birth of Pablo Ruiz Picasso (October 25)
Group tours
If you’re coming with a group of more than eight people, remember to book in advance on the website or by telephone.
Combined admission (permanent collection and temporary exhibition) costs €3 per person, or €5.50 with a guided tour.
If you would like to reserve the site for your group, the price is €24 per person.
Are there guided tours of Picasso’s birthplace?
Yes, guided tours are included in the entrance fee. You can choose whether or not to take part. Go to the bottom of the article to find out the time slots for guided tours.
Are there combined visits to other monuments in Málaga?
The Malaga Pass allows you to combine your visit to Picasso’s birthplace with other museums in the city. With the Pass, you can also visit the Centre Pompidou Malaga, as well as the Picasso Museum, which focuses more on the artist’s works. The list of museums to discover is particularly comprehensive, so don’t hesitate to visit the Pass website to find out more.
Malaga Pass practical information
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LucVi
- 24h option for €28
- 48h option for €38
- 72h option for €46
- One-week option for €62
Please note that tour offers differ according to your choice of pass.
Opening hours
Casa Natal » is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day, including public holidays. On December 24 and 31, the museum closes at 3:30 pm. Finally, it is closed on January 1 and December 25. Please note that admission is possible up to 15 minutes before the museum closes.
Guided tour times are as follows:
- Fridays and Saturdays at 12:30 pm, in Spanish.
- Tuesdays at 5:00 pm for the temporary exhibition only, in Spanish.
- Thursdays at 5:00 pm at Casa Natal, in English.
Finally, the mediation team can give you a personalized tour. This service is free with the purchase of a ticket, and is available at the following times:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, unless there is a guided tour.
- Wednesdays, between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm.
- Fridays and Sundays, between 10:00 and 13:30 and between 15:00 and 18:00, except for guided tours.
How do I get to Picasso’s birthplace?
Luckily, this cultural venue is located in the city center. So you’ll have no trouble getting to Casa Natal on foot if you’re staying in the center, or by car if you’re further away.
And if you want to come by bus, here are the bus stops nearby:
- Plaza de la Merced. Lines 1, 36, 37, Circular 1 and tourist bus.
- Victoria-Plaza de la Merced. Lines 1, 36, 37, Circular 2 and Nocturno 2.
Where can I park near Picasso’s birthplace?
There are numerous parking lots in the vicinity of Picasso’s birthplace. You can, for example, leave your car at the Alcazaba or Cervantes parking lots, which are a 5 and 10-minute walk from the site. Parking costs around €2 per hour, but prices vary according to the season.
Where to stay near Picasso’s birthplace?
A wide range of accommodation is available close to Picasso’s birthplace. These include the riad Andalous and the Palacio Solecio. Expect to pay around €100-150 per night.
Other hotels for smaller budgets can also be found in the vicinity: we invite you to use a hotel comparator to make the best choice. You can also find a wide range of accommodation on Airbnb!
So, are you ready to explore the intimacy of the famous cubist painter? Let us know how your visit went in the comments!