Antonio de Torres Spanish Guitar Museum

The Antonio de Torres Spanish Guitar Museum is a small but remarkable museum in Almería devoted entirely to the Spanish guitar and to Antonio de Torres Jurado, the luthier widely credited with defining the modern form of the instrument. The museum occupies a historic building tucked behind Almería's cathedral, on the narrow Ronda del Beato Diego Ventaja, right in the middle of the old town.

How do you get there?

The museum sits in the heart of Almería's historic center, just a short walk from the cathedral, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot while exploring the old town. The cathedral itself is the best landmark: walk around to its back side and you'll find the museum entrance on the narrow street behind it. Several other old-town sights are within easy walking distance, making it simple to combine a visit with a longer stroll through Almería's historic quarter.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition centers on Antonio de Torres, a 19th-century luthier born in Almería whose innovations — including the proportions of the guitar's soundboard and the internal bracing pattern — remain the foundation of classical guitar construction to this day. The museum's permanent collection includes three instruments built by Torres himself, making it one of the more significant collections of his work anywhere in Spain. Since 2020, the museum has also displayed the oldest known Spanish guitar, dating from 1684, a piece of major historical importance for the entire family of stringed instruments.

The exhibition unfolds across several themed rooms: one traces the history of the guitar as an instrument, another explores the guitar's presence in art through paintings, prints, and craftwork, and a third recreates Torres's own workshop, complete with the tools and techniques typical of 19th-century luthiery. The museum periodically adds new pieces connected to Torres's work, so the display continues to grow over time.

When should you visit?

The museum runs on two seasonal schedules. From October 1 to May 31, it opens Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday from 10:30 to 13:30, with Friday and Saturday adding afternoon hours from 17:00 to 20:00. From June 1 to September 30, the morning hours stay the same, but Friday and Saturday afternoons shift to 18:00–21:00. Mornings are the safest bet regardless of season, since that's the only slot open on every operating day.

Admission is modest: 3 euros for adults, 2 euros for visitors under 18 or over 64, and free for children under 6. A visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, making it an easy addition to a walk through Almería's old town.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Antonio de Torres? Antonio de Torres Jurado was a 19th-century luthier from Almería, regarded as the father of the modern Spanish guitar — his construction principles became the worldwide standard for the instrument.

How many original Torres guitars are on display? The permanent collection includes three guitars built directly by Antonio de Torres.

Is there anything notable in the museum besides Torres's own instruments? Yes — since 2020 the museum has displayed the oldest known Spanish guitar, dated to 1684.

How long does a visit take and what does it cost? A visit usually takes 30–45 minutes. Admission is 3 euros for adults or 2 euros for under-18s and over-64s, with free entry for children under 6.