Date Published: 03/03/2023

10 must-see museums in Andalucia

From the Archivo de Indias to the Picasso in Malaga, the region has several cultural spots that shouldn’t be missed

The vast community of Andalucia has been enthralling visitors for years with its sun-kissed beaches and cosmopolitan cities, but beyond the must-see corners that cities like Córdoba, Seville and Málaga can offer us, the region is a wealth of cultural gems.

What’s even better is that many of these historic spaces, quite aside from offering a glimpse of history and rich, architectural beauty, can be accessed absolutely free.

From one end of Andalucia to the other, many museums that can be enjoyed without spending a penny and are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.

So, to help visitors to soak up the culture, history and society of this beautiful corner of Spain, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 not-to-be-missed free museums.

1. Archivo de Indias (Sevilla)

Born in 1785, this museum was inspired by the desire of King Carlos III to create a space where all of the artefacts relating to Spanish overseas territories could be accessed at once. The Archivo de Indias in Seville is free all year round.

2. Museo de Arte y Costumbres Populares (Jaén)

This cultural site inspired the creation of several other museums in the province, including the Museum of Cazorla, as a Section of the Popular Art and Customs of Jaén. It’s situated on the grounds of the Yedra Castle, also called the Cuatro Esquinas Castle, and admission is always free.

3. Museo Casa de los Tiros (Granada)

Listed as Historical Heritage of Spain, this building was built in the 16th century and was designed in the traditional style of Granada palaces of the time. The space spans 12 rooms, each of which offer a completely different insight into the city.

The Granada museum is always free to EU citizens, students, pensioners and ICOM members and a 33% discount is offered to people with disabilities.

4. Casa-museo Guadamecí Omeya

The Guadamecí Umayyad house-museum in Cordoba is the only one of its kind in the world, as it showcases the unique leather work of the first Islamist civilisation to settle in Spain.

Admission is free and visitors can see the genuine work of the Umayyads in the elaboration of their guadamecíes, which has become world famous.

5. Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (Sevilla)

The Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art has been based in the monastery of Santa María de las Cuevas, also known as the Cartuja, since 1997. From Tuesday to Friday, between 7pm and 9pm, and on Saturdays, from 11am to 9am, you can visit it for free.

6. Museo Aeronáutico (Málaga)

Visitors to Malaga’s Aeronautical Museum will have a chance to examine ten different aircraft, inspect a black box, enter an old plane and even go up to the Control Tower that guided the first commercial planes in Malaga.

This is an ideal family day out, perfect for children of all ages.

7. Museo arqueológico (Almería)

The Provincial Archaeological Museum of Almería was inaugurated on March 28, 1933. The collections and the building were declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1962 and, through each of its rooms, guests can take a tour of the social and cultural history of Almería. Admission is free for all residents of Spain or EU countries.

8. Museo de Huelva (Huelva)

The Museum of Huelva always has free admission for citizens of the European Union. In this enclave you can visit three sections: the fine arts or art gallery (with works from the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville or the Reina Sofía Museum), or the archaeology and ethnology rooms, which are focused on crafts and religious traditions.

9. Museo Íbero (Jaén)

The Iberian museum of Jaén is the only one in the world dedicated to the Iberian people, their culture and their contribution to modern society. It is free for all accredited citizens of the European Union and members of ICOM and houses the largest collection of Iberian art in the world.

10. Museo Picasso (Málaga)

The Piccaso Museum in Málaga pays homage to arguably the most recognised artist of the 20th century. Visiting the museum, in the Palacio de Buenavista, is free every Sunday during its last two hours of opening and on the museum's anniversary (October 27).

Images: Wikipedia; Seville City Hall; Junta de Andalucía; Disputacion de Jaen; Guadamecí Umayyad; Johnny Comstedt / Flickr; Consejería de Turismo, Cultura y Deporte; Museos de Andalucia

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