Málaga is leading the way with a new concept dubbed the “Pop-up Pompidou”, where the general public is offered a selection of around 90 masterpieces from the famous Centre Pompidou’s collection.
Becoming the first outside of France, the Centre Pompidou, Málaga will initially be a city feature for five years, but with an option to extend for a further five years.
The museum also features a programme of exhibitions and workshops aimed at families and younger audiences, making today’s art accessible to the widest possible audience.
We’ve become used to seeing the steel and glass cube (El Cubo) at one end of Muelle Uno (Quay 1), Málaga’s new port and shopping area. What was unclear until now, was that this cube was really a skylight, casting it’s sunlit magic into what has now become the cavernous museum below.
Sporting a new look, El Cubo has itself become a piece of art, adorned with coloured panels by artist Daniel Buren, entitled “Incubé”.
I was fortunate to be one of the first people to visit the new Centre Pompidou, Málaga during it’s opening weekend, at the end of March 2015.
After entering the Centre Pompidou, the stairs lead you down to the surprisingly large exhibition space inside, where you are taken on a journey through “The Collection”, featuring art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The works on “human representation” are divided into five galleries, some larger and some smaller, exploring such themes as “Metamophoses”, “Self-Portraits”, “The Man without a Face”, “The Political Body” and “The Body in Pieces”.
Within each gallery the art is represented in the form of sculptures, paintings, installations, films and videos.
Displayed on the walls through the museum are works by Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Georg Baselitz, Joan Miró, Francis Bacon, Antoni Tàpies, Max Ernst, Marc Chagall, Constantin Brancusi and many others.
Without a doubt, my favourite piece was within the “The Body in Pieces” gallery, by Algerian artist, Kader Attia. “Ghost” is an installation of more than 140 hollow figures, kneeling in straight rows and all facing in the same direction. Each empty figure is made entirely of aluminum foil and alludes to be an anonymous Middle Eastern woman, covered from head to toe by her chador, bowed in prayer.
These fragile forms convey a powerful statement.
The installation could be described as vaguely sinister, yet I felt myself both respecting the figures’ privacy of worship, as well as being curiously drawn to inspect the hollow shells further.
I was able to seize the opportunity to become part of two of the interactive exhibits – the first, unknowingly, as I queued with the crowd outside the entrance to the museum, where the moving image is displayed on a wall inside, as a piece of art.
Later, in “The Man Without A Face” gallery I was encouraged to become an “anonymous witness” by hiding behind a white mask to observe how other visitors react to the artworks (and to me hiding behind the mask!)
Two or three temporary exhibitions are scheduled each year at the Centre Pompidou, Málaga. There is a cafe, auditorium and children’s inter-active play area.
Leaflets are available at the entrance (in several languages, including Spanish and English) suggesting various self-guided routes through the exhibits, depending on the amount of time you have available.
OPENING HOURS:
16th June to 15th September: 11.00am to 10.00pm
16th September to 15th June: 9.30am to 8.00pm
Closed on Tuesdays, January 1st and December 25th.
ENTRY FEES:
Permanent collection: €7, concessions €4
Temporary exhibition: €4, concessions €2.50
Permanent collection + temporary exhibition: €9, concessions €5.50
MY INSIDER TIP: FREE ENTRY after 4pm every Sunday
WEBSITE: centrepompidou-malaga.es
East of Málaga 
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Such an interesting building and the art was so varied.
Hola, I live in Ronda and use wordpress too. I have a go pro and want to add them to my blog but the files are too large. Do you put video on Youtube first and then imbed into the blog. Sorry for a technical question. Loved your blog in the states and ever better here. Gracias
Yes, I use YouTube and then embed onto the blog. Sometimes things get a bit technical, don’t they? But hey – that’s how we all learn! Thanks for your kind words 🙂
I walked past here last Monday while on Stage 1 of the Gran Senda de Malaga, great looking building that could certainly not be missed. My Aunt & I are planning a visit during my next trip in July 🙂
If you like contemporary art, Susan, I would also recommend a visit to the CAC museum (Contemporary Art Centre) in Malaga city. There’s a lovely cafe there, too 🙂
Can’t wait to go and see this museum! Your post has really whetted my appetite. Great to have more world-class contemporary art in Andalucia, I just wish we had some of it in Seville. Love the idea of the mask – good way to get kids involved too!
There is a room (which I wasn’t allowed in) which caters especially for children. I’m sure your two would LOVE it! 🙂
Can’t wait to go and see this museum! Your post has really whetted my appetite. Great to have more world-class contemporary art in Andalucia, I just wish we had some of it in Seville.
Still, not far to come to see it, Fiona – plus, you have Las Setas 🙂
This is very exciting! I love the Pompidou and have just visited the Metz gallery.
I never knew there was a centre Pompidou outside France until now. There´s another dépendance at Metz/France, close to my home region, also locating in a very modern, exciting building. I think that´s a very interesting concept, a museum “sprouting ” in different places!
Yes, it’s a very interesting concept, Sabine. I’m so glad they are spreading their magic to other countries 🙂
Let’s see if we wiggle our way down there sometime. I’m not much into museums and I tend to get bored in them………. Just not a very visual person I guess. I did see the cube from the outside……. It definitely looks “French” hehe.
How fortunate for Malaga to acquire this and lucky you to be one of the first to visit it and even interact. Love the cube and use of space. Thought provoking exhibit.
Thanks Lynne – yes, very thought provoking 🙂
Good to get to see inside the new Pompidou in Malaga. Won’t be able to see the real thing until we’re back in late May. “Ghost” looks fascinating indeed, and I’m eager to see the rest. Thanks for sharing.
I’m sure it will still all be waiting for you when you return in May 🙂 That’s something else to look forward to 🙂
Indeed. Your blog is marvelous.
This is so cool! Can’t wait to check it out next time we go to malaga.
The cube looks fantastic.
Yes, yes – it does! 🙂
Wow, looks fascinating
So glad I got the chance to visit, Sue …. between watching Semana Santa processions! 🙂
Great!
What great asset for Malaga. The cube entrance is stunning and your favourite is very thought provoking, thanks for sharing it.
Yes, another great asset for Málaga, Gilly. I was mesmerised by “Ghost” …. absolutely fascinating. Thanks for your comment, Gilly – always much appreciated. 🙂