The city is celebrating Pablo Picasso to mark 50 years since his death, says Adam Shaw
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1. Picasso Museum
Museo Picasso Málaga covers everything from the artist’s early paintings to his role in the founding of Cubism and his later works of the mid-20th century.
The exhibition Picasso Sculptor – Matter and Body, which runs between May 9 and September 10, looks at the ways he represented the human form using materials such as wood, bronze and plaster.
museopicassomalaga.org
2. Plaza de la Merced
Lined with jacaranda trees that bloom a vibrant violet in May and June, and home to rows of tapas bars, this square is where Picasso spent his childhood.
The house where he was born and lived until he was 10 stands at number 15, and now operates as the museum Casa Natal Picasso. Opposite this, there’s a bronze statue of the artist sitting on a bench with a notebook.
3. Antigua Casa de Guardia
It’s said that Picasso drank at this traditional bar, where little has changed since it first opened its doors in 1840. It specialises in muscatel wines served straight from the barrel, with a wide selection ranging from young, sweet tipples to more mature, drier options.
Málaga is also known for its seafood, and here visitors can sample everything from fried fish to pink clams in tapas form.
4. Soho Art District
Modern Málaga’s art scene thrives in Soho, with its large-scale graffiti, artists’ studios and private galleries. After wandering its streets, head to the city’s Contemporary Art Centre, which has works from artists including Damien Hirst and Olafur Eliasson. You can also shop for art at the ‘Made in Soho’ market on the first Saturday of every month.
5. Barceló Málaga
Picasso would appreciate the artistic effort that has gone into this fun, modern hotel, which features a steel slide connecting the first floor to the lobby. Its reception area has colourful floor tiles and a mirrored staircase, , which adds to the futuristic feel.
Rooms have large prints showcasing Málaga’s skyline and beach. Prices from £183 per night, room-only.
barcelo.com
Book it…
A three-night bed-and-breakfast stay at the Barceló Málaga hotel can be booked with Jet2holidays, with prices starting at £464 for a September 4 departure date, including flights from Stansted and a 22kg luggage allowance.
jet2holidays.com
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Oliver Foerstner, Pabkov, efegraph; Museo Picasso Málaga
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