Buenavista Palace Malaga | Interesting Facts, History & More

Rising from the remains of a Nasrid palace, this 16th-century palace was once a home for nobility and has now transformed into a vibrant hub of art and history, proudly housing the well-known Picasso Museum Malaga since 2003.

History of Buenavista Palace Malaga

• 16th century: Buenavista Palace was built in the first half of the 16th century for Diego de Cazalla, a notable figure who participated in the conquest of Málaga during the Granada War. The palace was constructed on the ruins of a former Nasrid palace.
• Early 19th century: After Diego de Cazalla's death, the palace passed through various noble families, including the Counts of Mollina and later the Counts of Buenavista in the 19th century. It served as a family residence for centuries but saw reduced occupancy from the 19th century onward.
• 1938: During the Spanish Civil War in 1938, it was utilized as a hospital by the Red Cross.
• 1961: Became the new home of the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts).
• 1996: Purchased by the Andalusian Autonomous Government for 650 million pesetas (6.5 million dollars).
• 1997: Museo de Bellas Artes closed to prepare for the establishment of the Picasso Museum Malaga.
• 2003: The museum officially opened on October 27, 2003, following extensive renovations led by architect Richard Gluckman.
• 2009: The Fundación Museo Picasso Málaga and the Fundación Paul, Christine y Bernard Ruiz-Picasso merged, creating the "Museo Picasso Málaga Foundation. The Paul, Christine, and Bernard Ruiz Picasso Legacy."

Interesting facts about Buenavista Palace Malaga

• Before the current palace was built, the site housed a Nasrid palace. Some features, like the Moorish tower, are believed to date back to this earlier structure.
• During renovations, the ruins of a Phoenician city wall, a Roman garum factory, and Nasrid structures were uncovered. These are, now viewable through glass panels in the museum.
• Two ancient Roman mosaics, including the Birth of Venus, are preserved and displayed in the Mudéjar-style patio.
• Over the centuries, the palace served various roles, including a family home, a furniture factory, an educational center, and even a Red Cross hospital during the Spanish Civil War.
• Since 2003, the palace has housed the Picasso Museum, fulfilling the wish of Picasso’s family to display his works in an Andalusian-style building.
• Unlike many Renaissance buildings, the palace’s façade is intentionally asymmetrical, giving it a distinctive charm.