Follow in the footsteps of Picasso
The 50th anniversary of the death of one of the most important Spanish artists, Pablo Ruiz Picasso, takes place in 2023 – he was born in Malaga in 1881. Celebrated across the world for his bold and abstract works, an extensive program of exhibitions and events is taking place across Spain to commemorate his life and work. Yet any year is ideal to immerse in Picasso’s life and work. You can follow in Picasso’s footsteps from Malaga to A Coruna, Madrid and onto Barcelona, where he spent his formative years. It’s one of the more inspiring things to do in Spain.
The southern city of Malaga boasts more than just Picasso’s birthplace. It’s an art lover dream. Take in the Jorge Rando Museum, the San Telmo Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the Interactive Museum of Music of Malaga. Seek out the Church of Santiago, where Picasso was baptised, his former school of San Rafael, and the La Malagueta bullring that inspired his first drawings and oil paintings. And naturally, the Picasso Museum that boasts over 230 artworks in the Buenavista Palace.
As a teenager, Picasso lived in the Spanish capital of Madrid, where he found inspiration from the great masters in the Prado Museum. He later became an honorary director of the art space. Madrid has a charming old town mixed with the heady nightlife Spain is renowned for. All making it a must visit on any Spanish itinerary.