Centre Pompidou Málaga

The permanent display is organised to provide a narrative through modern and contemporary art from the early twentieth century to the present — Surrealism, Abstraction, Pop Art, Conceptual Art, and contemporary photography are all represented. Temporary exhibitions run alongside the permanent collection and are often ambitious in scale relative to the available space.

What sets the Malaga Pompidou apart from most provincial modern art museums is the quality guarantee implicit in the Pompidou name. These are real works from one of the world's great collections, not touring shows or secondary pieces. The institution also brings its educational approach — the Pompidou has always placed emphasis on making modern art accessible rather than intimidating — which means the presentation is consistently clear and engaging.

The location is one of the great pleasures. Stepping out of the museum, you are immediately on the waterfront promenade, with views across the harbour and easy access to the restaurants and bars of Muelle Uno. In the evening, with the glass cube lit from within and the boats bobbing in the marina, it is one of the most atmospheric spots in the city.

Practical tips: book tickets online to avoid queuing. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The Muelle Uno waterfront makes a natural extension to the visit — combine the two for a full afternoon.