An October for Picasso in Malaga 2026

Pablo Picasso only lived in Malaga for ten years of his nearly century-long life, but despite his short stay, the artist’s influence can be seen everywhere in the city. From the Picasso Museum to the Picasso-inspired souvenirs in the shops, Malaga and Picasso form an inseparable tandem.

Every year in October, special events celebrate his birthday (25th October) and the legacy of Picasso in Malaga. 2026 is the 145th anniversary of his birth.

In this article, we look at to what’s on this year in honour of one of the world’s greatest artists.

Celebrating Picasso in Malaga with LED screens

This year, six LED screens will light up the terraces on the façade of his birthplace, known as the Casa Natal. They show photographs of Picasso as a child and scenes from his contemporary Malaga.

See them on 24 and 25 October.

Look out for the flocks of doves during the last ten days of October.

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Other events celebrating Picasso in Malaga

This year’s programme of events celebrating Picasso’s birthday also a new exhibition, concerts and open doors at his birthplace: 

Open doors

The Casa Natal, recently completely revamped, has free entry all day on Saturday 25 October (Picasso’s birthday) between 9am and 8pm. The house, built in the late 19th century has several rooms with memorabilia from Picasso’s family, his father’s art studio and photos from Malaga in 1881.

Free concerts

Friday 24 October – discover the sound mural made by local pupils and enjoy a guitar and box concert at noon by the Picasso sculpture in the corner of Plaza de la Merced.

Saturday 25 October – the Jitterbug Trio perform ‘Picasso & Jazz’ from 7pm in Picasso’s birthplace (Casa Natal Picasso) on Plaza de la Merced. Free entry, but get there early to bag your seat.

A Picasso-inspired guitar

Argentinian luthier, Hugo Domínguez, will make a guitar inspired by Picasso’s famous ‘Still Life with Guitar’ (1915) over two days. You can watch him creating the instrument in the Casa Natal on Tuesday 21 October from 5 to 8pm and on Wednesday 22 October from 10.130am to 1pm and 5 to 7pm. Free.

22nd anniversary of the Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year with several events based around the Picasso exhibitions at the museum. These are to be confirmed:

Free guided tours

These take place in English on a date to be confirmed between 11am and 2pm. Sign-up for yours when you buy your ticket to enter the museum.

Free entry to the museum

The museum also has open doors (to be confirmed) on Monday 26 October with free entry all day from 11am to 7pm (last entry at 6.30pm).

Year-round Picasso

During the rest of the year, you can find Picasso:

In the Plaza de la Merced on a bench outside his birthplace. He’s looking very relaxed – notice his sliders.

In front of the Cervantes Theatre in the form of a mural depicting several portraits of him throughout his life. Look more closely and you’ll see that the entire mural is made up of words in several languages about Malaga. We think this is a really unusual way of celebrating Picasso’s creativity.

In the half hand, half dove sculpture in Calle Bolsa, off Calle Larios.

And of course at the Picasso Museum. The permanent collection walks you through his artistic life from first paintings to later ceramics, a great way to trace the changes in his style and influences. Open daily 11am to 7pm. €12.

Happy Birthday Picasso!