Automobile Museum of Malaga

The Automobile Museum of Malaga brings together classic cars and vintage fashion inside the city's former Royal Tobacco Factory.

The Tabacalera building dates back to 1923 and was built in a regionalist style with touches of Renaissance detailing, making it one of Malaga's more striking architectural landmarks in its own right. The museum opened inside it in 2010, occupying close to 6,000 square meters of exhibition space.

What will you see inside?

The core of the collection belongs to Portuguese collector João Manuel Magalhães, valued at around 25 million euros and ranked among the most significant vintage car collections in Europe. More than 90 vehicles spanning 1898 to the present represent marques such as Hispano-Suiza, Bugatti, Delage, Packard, Auburn, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Lancia.

The cars are arranged across themed rooms that walk visitors through successive eras of automotive history — from the Belle Époque and the 1920s through Art Deco, then on to sections dedicated to eccentric engineering, popular everyday models, British motoring tradition, alternative propulsion, and tuning culture. Alongside the vehicles, the museum also displays engines and a dedicated fashion section, where a haute couture and accessories collection rounds out the story of each decade's aesthetic.

How do you get there?

The museum sits at Avenida Sor Teresa Prat 15, inside the building known as La Tabacalera. The metro is the easiest way in — Line 2 stops at Princesa-Huelin station, about a 400-meter walk from the entrance. Free parking is available on site for visitors.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

The museum opens every day of the week, from 10:00 to 14:30 and again from 16:00 to 19:00. It closes only on December 25th and January 1st, and runs shortened hours on December 24th and 31st, when it's open until 14:30 only.

General admission is 10 euros, with a reduced rate of 8 euros for students, seniors over 65, and other qualifying groups. School visits cost 4 euros per person, and children under 5 get in free. Visitors who want a guided tour can book one for 12 euros, though reservations must be made in advance.

Who is this museum for?

The appeal goes beyond car enthusiasts. Pairing classic automobiles with fashion and art makes the exhibition engaging even for visitors who aren't particularly into mechanics — the focus here is on design history and aesthetics as much as engineering. Given the scale of the collection and the size of the rooms, a full visit typically takes between an hour and a half and two hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is a guided tour worth it? A guided tour (12 euros, booking required in advance) adds historical context to individual models and helps you navigate the themed rooms more efficiently — a solid option if you want to go deeper into the collection's backstory.

How long does a visit take? A standard visit runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend in each themed room and the fashion section.

Is it suitable for children? Yes — children under 5 get in free, and the colorful classic cars tend to catch even younger visitors' attention.

What's the easiest way to get there without a car? Metro Line 2 to Princesa-Huelin station is the most convenient option, leaving about a 400-meter walk to the entrance.