Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Málaga’s historic center, the Museo Revello de Toro offers a captivating fusion of 17th-century heritage and contemporary Spanish mastery. Opened in 2010, the museum is housed within the beautifully restored home and workshop of Pedro de Mena, one of Spain’s most celebrated Baroque sculptors. This unique setting provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets, allowing visitors to explore the life and legacy of Félix Revello de Toro, a native son of Málaga and one of the most prolific portrait painters of the modern era.
The permanent collection features over 100 works that showcase Revello de Toro’s signature style: an intimate, seductive elegance that breathes life into his subjects. Renowned for his masterful interpretation of the feminine figure, his drawings and oil paintings capture a rare emotional depth and technical precision. Visitors can trace the artist's evolution through landmark pieces such as his moving 1950 portrait My Mother, the introspective Self-portrait (1990), and the evocative Elements of Survival (1978).
Why You Should Visit
- A Historic Landmark: Step inside one of the few surviving 17th-century domestic buildings in Málaga, featuring a stunning traditional wooden gallery and central courtyard.
- Mastery of the Portrait: Witness the technical brilliance of an artist who served as a bridge between classical tradition and modern sensibility, earning him international acclaim.
- An Intimate Experience: Unlike the larger, crowded galleries of the city, this museum offers a quiet, contemplative atmosphere perfect for art lovers seeking a deeper connection with local Malagueño culture.
Highlights
- My Mother by Félix Revello de Toro (1950): A poignant and technically brilliant early portrait that captures a sense of deep personal intimacy and emotional warmth.
- Self-portrait by Félix Revello de Toro (1990): A definitive work where the artist portrays himself with the same sophisticated realism and elegant lighting found in his famous commissions.
- Elements of Survival by Félix Revello de Toro (1978): A detailed still life that demonstrates the artist's versatility and his ability to imbue everyday objects with symbolic narrative.
- The Eyes of Picasso by Félix Revello de Toro (2003): A captivating tribute to the Málaga-born genius, focusing on the piercing and visionary intensity of Picasso’s famous gaze.
- Submission by Félix Revello de Toro (1990): A quintessential example of the artist’s celebrated "feminine figures" series, known for its seductive elegance and delicate handling of fabric.
- The Pedro de Mena Memorial Room by Various Artists (17th Century): A dedicated historical exhibit within the museum that honors the legacy of the master Baroque sculptor who once lived and worked in this building.
Getting There
Public Transport
The Museo Revello de Toro is conveniently located near several major public transport hubs in Málaga.
- Bus: You can reach the museum using bus lines 1, 2, 3, or 4. The closest stop is Paseo del Parque - Plaza de la Marina, which is only a 3-minute walk from the entrance.
- Train: The Málaga Centro - Alameda train station is approximately a 15-minute walk away.
- Metro: The El Perchel metro station is located about a 24-minute walk from the museum.
Walking
Situated at C. Afligidos, 5, the museum is easily accessible on foot for those exploring Málaga’s historic center. It is a short walk from the Plaza de la Marina and other central landmarks.
Taxi and Car
Taxis can provide direct access to the museum's location in the city center. If you are driving, you can plan your route and view the surrounding area using Google Maps.
Admission & Opening Hours
The Museo Revello de Toro welcomes visitors throughout the week, though it remains closed on Mondays. Please note the specific closing time on Sundays when planning your itinerary.
Opening Hours
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: 10:00-20:00
- Wednesday: 10:00-20:00
- Thursday: 10:00-20:00
- Friday: 10:00-20:00
- Saturday: 10:00-20:00
- Sunday: 10:00-14:00
Admission
For the most up-to-date information regarding ticket prices and entry requirements, please check the official website.
Nearby Attractions
- Málaga Cathedral (40m, 1 min): Located directly across from the museum, this grand Renaissance-style landmark is famously known as "La Manquita" due to its single unfinished tower.
- Alcazaba of Málaga (200m, 3 mins): A remarkably preserved Moorish palace-fortress featuring lush gardens and elevated views over the Mediterranean coastline.
- Roman Theatre (250m, 3 mins): Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, this ancient archaeological site dates back to the 1st century BC and remains the oldest monument in the city.
- Picasso Museum Málaga (250m, 3 mins): Housed in a 16th-century palace within the historic centre, this gallery showcases an extensive collection of works by the legendary artist in his birthplace.
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- Please be advised that the museum is not wheelchair accessible.
Facilities
- Specific on-site services and facilities are not specified. For the most up-to-date information on visitor amenities, please consult the official museum website.
Photography
- Photography policies for the galleries are not specified. Visitors are encouraged to check the official guidelines or inquire at the entrance before taking photos.
Best Time to Visit
- A typical visit duration is not specified, and there are no specific recommendations for the best time to visit. To help plan your itinerary, you may check the official website for current opening hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Félix Revello de Toro? A: Félix Revello de Toro is a renowned Málaga-born painter celebrated primarily for his portraiture and his "seductive elegance" in depicting feminine figures. The museum was opened in 2010 to honor his artistic legacy and house his extensive personal collection.
Q: Where is the museum located? A: The museum is located in the historic center of Málaga at Calle Afligidos, 5, 29015 Málaga.
Q: What are the highlights of the permanent collection? A: The collection features 117 works on display, including famous pieces such as:
- My mother (1950)
- Elements of Survival (1978)
- Self-portrait (1990)
- Various intimate sketches and drawings of female figures.
Q: What is the significance of the museum building? A: The museum is housed in the historic home and workshop of Pedro de Mena, a famous 17th-century sculptor. Visitors can explore the "Memorial Room" dedicated to de Mena, blending 17th-century architecture with modern exhibition technology.
Q: How do I get to the museum using public transport? A: The museum is easily accessible via several transport links:
- Bus: Most major lines (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) stop at Paseo del Parque - Plaza de la Marina, which is a 3-minute walk away.
- Train: The Málaga Centro - Alameda station is approximately a 15-minute walk.
- Metro: The El Perchel station is about a 24-minute walk from the museum.
Q: How many galleries are inside the museum? A: The museum consists of six exhibition spaces. Rooms 1 and 2 are dedicated to the permanent collection of Félix Revello de Toro, while other areas are used for temporary exhibitions and the Pedro de Mena memorial.
Q: Does the museum host temporary exhibitions? A: Yes, there is a dedicated Temporary Exhibition Gallery. The museum frequently hosts "Guest Work" displays and themed exhibitions, such as the previous "Los Ojos de Picasso" (The Eyes of Picasso) show.
Q: How can I contact the museum for group bookings or inquiries? A: You can contact the museum office by telephone at 952 062 069 or via email at [info@museorevellodetoro.net](mailto:info@museorevellodetoro.net).
Q: What artistic themes will I encounter during my visit? A: The museum focuses on figurative art, specifically "Intimate Revello" themes. You will see a progression of the artist's style through his drawings, sketches, and large-scale oil portraits that emphasize form, light, and the human figure.