Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga (CAC Málaga) is one of the leading contemporary art venues in Andalusia, sitting right in the heart of Málaga along the banks of the Guadalmedina river.

Where is CAC Málaga located, and what's the building's story?

The museum occupies the former wholesale market building (Mercado de Mayoristas), built in 1939 by architects Luis Gutiérrez Soto and Juan Jáuregui. The structure has been protected as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 1987, safeguarding its original industrial silhouette. Renovation work began in 2000 under architect Miguel Ángel Díaz, and the centre opened its doors to the public in February 2003. The result is a space that keeps the raw, industrial character of the old market hall while functioning as a fully modern art gallery.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition area covers close to 2,400 square metres, split across five distinct zones: three host temporary exhibitions, one is dedicated to the permanent collection, and the last — called Espacio Proyectos — is a flexible space used for experimental events and projects.

The permanent collection, owned by the city of Málaga, holds more than 400 works and keeps growing, partly through a system of temporary loans from private collectors. Artists represented include Louise Bourgeois, the collective Art & Language, Olafur Eliasson, Thomas Hirschhorn, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Thomas Ruff, and Thomas Struth. Nearly every contemporary discipline is present, from painting and sculpture to photography, installation, and video art.

The museum's underlying idea draws on the German Kunsthaus model — an art house conceived as a place for dialogue and reflection on contemporary art, rather than simple display.

How do you get to CAC Málaga?

The museum sits right in the city centre, on the bank of the Guadalmedina, making it an easy walk from most of Málaga's main sights, including the old town and the cathedral. Its riverside setting makes it a natural stop to pair with a stroll along the embankment.

When is the best time to visit?

Temporary exhibitions rotate regularly, so it's worth checking the current programme before visiting if you're after a specific show. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, making them a good choice for a relaxed look at the permanent collection rooms.

Who is this museum for?

CAC Málaga suits anyone with an interest in contemporary art in the broadest sense, from conceptual art pioneers to installation and video work. It's also a good stop for visitors curious to see how a piece of industrial-era architecture can be given a new life as a cultural space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAC Málaga? It's Málaga's municipal contemporary art centre, open since 2003, housed in a converted 1939 wholesale market building.

What can you see in the permanent collection? The collection holds more than 400 works, including pieces by Louise Bourgeois, Olafur Eliasson, Damien Hirst, and Thomas Struth, spanning media from painting to video art.

How much exhibition space does the museum have? Around 2,400 square metres across five rooms: three for temporary exhibitions, one for the permanent collection, and one flexible space (Espacio Proyectos).

Is the building historically significant? Yes — the former market hall from 1939, designed by Luis Gutiérrez Soto and Juan Jáuregui, has been protected as a cultural heritage site (BIC) since 1987, and its conversion into a museum began in 2000.