Marbella is famed for its touristic charm, lovely beaches and many entertainment options, but we should not forget to visit Marbella´s museums.
Below we would like to offer some suggestions on how to spend a day basking in the culture and art that Marbella’s museums offer.
A first obligatory stop is the Museo del Grabado Contemporáneo, which is to be found in Marbella’s Old Town in the historic Hospital Bazán. Restoration work on the building started in 1989 and it became home to the museum in 1992.
It focuses on contemporary Spanish art and graphic works, and within its various rooms are displayed distinguished examples of Spanish modern art. They are represed by such luminaries as Miró, Barceló, Picasso, Tápies, Chillida, Saura, José Hernández and Caruncho.
Among the prizes awarded to the museum are the National Engraving Award, Real Academia de BellasArtesof San Fernando, National Calcography in 2000 and the Discover Art Prize in 2010.
As well as possessing an ample collection of art, the museum organises many artistic activities and musical events. The Museo del Grabado Contemporáneo also offers a library specialising in contemporary art and artistic work. It is an idyllic place to submerge yourself in modern Spanish art and if you would like to know more you can join the Friends of the Asociación de Amigos del Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo. Members also collaborate with the museum, organising events and activities.
Follow this link to see the museum’s location and don’t miss out on a visit.
Another ‘must see’ museum is the Museo Ralli, which belongs to the Ralli Museum group, a private, non-profit organisation established to promote Latin American and European artists. The Ralli Museum in Marbella is located on the Golden Mile and is the only one in Europe, with the other four to be found inPunta del Este (Uruguay), Santiago (Chile) and two in Caesarea (Israel).
Inaugurated in 2000, entrance is free. Without a doubt it is interesting to visit the large exhibition space, which is divided into ten rooms, to contemplate works from numerous contemporary Latin American artists, as well as pieces from distinguished European masters such as Dalí and Miró. Amongst others, you can enjoy paintings by Paul Wunderlich, Henry Moore, Marc Chagall, André Masson and Max Ernst, as well as life-size sculptures by Mexican artists such as Mario Aguirre, Gerardo Quiroz and Spaniard Eduardo Soriano.
The objectives of the museum are that its visitors are able to enjoy freely its private collection of artwork. If your curiosity has been piqued and you would like to know more about the museum, you can begin with its virtual tour. Press for location.
Another option is the unusual Bonsai Museum, considered one of the best in Europe. Inaugurated in 1992, it is to be found in the Parque Arroyo de la Represa in Marbella. It brings together more than 300 bonsai trees. Selection of wild olive trees considered to be the most important collection in the world. One of its ‘star’ exhibits is a juniper called ‘El Toro’, which is more than 400 years old. The museum also offers examples of the Spanish fir (pinsapo) and other indigenous trees.
A visit is without doubt something special and it is very pleasant to admire the nature of these famous and ancient bonsai trees. You can also take part in activities and courses hosted by the museum in collaboration with the avant-garde Fuji Kyoolay Bonsai school of Massimo Bandera on caring for and cultivating plants.
The entrance fee is €4 for adults and €2 for children. Here is the location and directions to visit by car.
Another important museum in Marbella is to be found in the Miraflores area of town—namely the Cortijo Miraflores Museum, which features olive oil. There is an archaeological exhibition, various exhibition rooms, a library and gallery. Unusually for a museum, its inner patio is a venue for summer weddings.
The museum is also home to the FondoHistórico del Archivo Municipal, in other words an archive of all the historical documents generated in Marbella over the past five centuries.
The olive oil museum is housed in an old oil press, which has a mill, machinery and utensils used in the milling of what has been termed ‘liquid gold’. As well as photographs, there are informative panels and other educational resources to help the visitor understand the ancient process of extracting oil from the olives.
The archaeological exhibition offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of everyday life from early Palaeolithic times right up to present day Marbella, on a journey through the history of the town.
Entrance is free so there is no excuse not to visit—see the location here.
In the office of the Delegación Municipal de Cultura, in Plaza Altamirano, you can find the Colección Municipal de Arqueología de Marbella. In this room there is a collection of archaeological remains that have been found in Marbella, brought together in an interesting and diverting exhibition. Entrance is free and the location, should you wish to visit, is here.
Finally, do not forget to stroll along Avenida del Mar, where you can enjoy a permanent open-air exhibition of Salvador Dalí bronzes. These sculptures belong to the Colección Clot and they are an authentic marvel available to everyone to view.
