The museums in Marbella are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. These museums and cultural centers offer a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. From contemporary art to Roman antiquities, the diverse collections have something to offer for all tastes.
If you plan to visit Marbella and enjoy a different plan, do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in its museums. In this article, we will present you with some of the best museums in the city, their outstanding exhibitions, and what you can expect from them so you can plan your route with a car hire without excess in Malaga in which to visit each and every one of these art centers.
Table of Contents
The most visited museums in Marbella
Although the city does not have a long list of art centers, Marbella museums offer a varied artistic and heritage offer for all tastes, from archaeology lovers to those who want to delight in some surprising works of contemporary art, taking a tour of their customs or history.
Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving
The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving, located in the old town of Marbella, is the first museum of its kind in Spain and one of the few at the European level. It has a collection of almost 2,000 engravings, including a unique piece by Eduardo Chillida. The collection covers the art of engraving in Spain during the 20th century, from historical avant-gardes to contemporary movements and trends.
Among the represented artists are Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Tapies, Chillida, Antonio Saura, Maruja Mallo and many more. The first medals are also exhibited in the engraving section of the disappeared National Fine Arts Exhibitions. In addition, the building that houses this collection is the old Bazán Hospital, a stately architecture construction that was erected in the 17th century and has perfectly preserved Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance elements.
Interesting facts
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm, Sundays from 10:00am to 2:00pm
- Price: free admission
- Location: C/ Hospital Bazán, s/n
- Website: museodelgrabado.es
Ralli Museum
The Ralli Museum of Marbella, inaugurated in 2000 by Harry Recanati and his wife Martine, has one of the most important collections of Latin American contemporary art in Europe. The museum has ten exhibition rooms that show the different avant-gardes of both continents, with a special presence of surrealism from both Europe and Latin America.
The admission is free as the Ralli Museums belong to the Harry Recanati Foundation, an organization dedicated to promote knowledge of works by Latin American artists. The collection includes works by artists such as Carmen Aldunate, Braun Vega, Alicia Carletti, Eduardo Sarlos, Miro, and sculptures by Dalí, Mario Aguirre, and Gerardo Quiroz.
This museum offers free cultural activities such as guided visits to the exhibition, poetry recitals or family workshops with the aim of bringing Latin American avant-garde to audiences of all ages and tastes.
Interesting information
- Opening hours: from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Price: free admission
- Location: Coral Beach, Rio Verde, N-340, km.176
- Website: museoralli.es
Municipal Archaeology Collection of Marbella
The Municipal Archaeology Collection of Marbella, located in a restored 16th-century building in Plaza Altamirano, exhibits an impressive collection of archaeological findings found in the city and its surroundings. Among them are the Roman Villa of Río Verde, the Paleochristian Basilica of Vega del Mar, the Roman baths, the Wall and the Castle, the watchtowers, the Trapiche ovens, and other important sites.
After completing the visit, and taking advantage of its central location, visitors to this museum can enjoy a stroll through the historic center of the city, where they will find some of the best and most traditional restaurants in Marbella.
Interesting information
- Opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm
- Price: free admission
- Location: Plaza Altamirano, s/n
Cortijo Miraflores Cultural Center
Located in one of the most emblematic buildings in the city, the Cortijo de Miraflores Cultural Center is one of the main museums in Marbella. This historic building houses the Historical Fund of the Municipal Archive and the Olive Oil Museum in its facilities.
The oil mill has hydraulic machinery for oil extraction and an exhibition of archaeology from the Lower Paleolithic to the Modern Age. In addition, there is an exhibition hall, a library, and an art gallery. The archaeology exhibition includes showcases, explanatory panels, and models that represent the main Roman and Late Roman sites in Marbella.
Interesting facts
- Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00h to 20:30h
- Price: free entry
- Location: Calle San Pedro de Alcántara, 10
Performing Arts Center La Alcoholera (El Ingenio)
Although this center is focused on theater and performing arts, visitors can find in its tower a museum focused on the history of San Pedro Alcántara, reviewing its history through archaeological remains, photographs, and publications. In addition, this former distillery retains the essence of the sugar industry, telling the story of this industrial innovation from the early 20th century.
Interesting facts
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00h to 14:00h and from 17:00h to 20:00h
- Price: free entry
- Location: C/ La Morena, 4
Map of Marbella museums
In the following map of Marbella museums, you can find the different locations of these cultural and artistic centers in the city, which you will have the possibility to visit for free taking into account the indicated opening hours. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these centers that showcase the Marbella culture.
