Centro Cultural La Malagueta (La Malagueta Cultural Center), Malaga

La Malagueta Cultural Center is one of Málaga’s most recognisable landmarks and a key example of late-19th-century civic architecture. It was inaugurated in 1876, at a time when the city was expanding beyond its historic core. For most of its history, La Malagueta’s primary function was hosting bullfights. However, in January 2020, the building entered a new phase, when its former stables and storage rooms were transformed into climate-controlled indoor spaces, allowing for a wider range of exhibitions and conferences. This transformation also marked the official change of name from “La Malagueta Bullring” to “La Malagueta Cultural Center.”

Designed by architect Joaquín Rucoba, the structure reflects the Neo-Mudéjar style then in vogue, combining brick construction with horseshoe arches and restrained decorative details that give the exterior a strong rhythmic character.

The building is organised around a large, almost circular arena enclosed by tiered seating and a continuous arcade. Conceived as a permanent civic venue, it quickly became an established stage for public events. During the bullfighting season, La Malagueta still hosts major corridas, including two events during Holy Week. One of these, the Corrida Picassiana, pays tribute to Pablo Picasso, who developed a lifelong fascination with bullfighting after attending events here as a child, often accompanied by his father.

This early exposure left a lasting mark on Picasso’s work. The contest between man and bull appears repeatedly in his sketches and paintings. In a 1925 portrait of his son Paul, the child is shown dressed as a bullfighter, red cape in hand, with the subtle outline of a bullring visible in the background.

Today, La Malagueta also houses the Antonio Ordóñez Bullfighting Museum, whose entrance is located at Gate 8 on the southeast façade of the arena. The museum’s highlights include a collection of “suits of lights,” historical posters, and bullfighting artefacts. Among them, the suit worn by Málaga-born bullfighter Javier Conde—designed by French fashion designer Christian Lacroix— stands out as the most striking. Visitors pass through Rooms A, B, and C before reaching Room D, where Conde’s suit forms the central display.

Beyond corridas, the arena is also used for concerts and other cultural events.