The Museum of Glass and Crystal (Museo del Vidrio y Cristal) showcases an awe-inspiring collection of handcrafted glass creations dating from the Phoenician era to the 20th century. Over 3,000 pieces of glass are housed within the museum’s glittering private collection and are displayed in thought-provoking themes and periods. Find out how skillful artisans have toyed with light and color in crystalline creations for centuries and admire the accompanying period furniture, decorative objects and artworks.
Begin your visit on the ground floor, which features exquisite English pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows. Make your way to the upper level to find a series of exhibitions organized chronologically. Check out the Ancient Civilizations exhibition, which displays fascinating glass relics from ancient Egypt and the Byzantine period. A diversity of cultures is represented, from Greco-Roman to Arabic. A highlight from this exhibition is the collection of brightly colored Phoenician relics. Continue to the exhibition dedicated to the 16th and 17th centuries, which has a focus on Catalan, Dutch, Venetian and Bohemian glass alongside elegant contemporary furnishings.
See glass arts created under the rule of Charles III and Charles IV in the 18th-century exhibition and magnificent English cameo glass signed by Thomas Webb in the 19th-century exhibition. Peruse bold and imaginative collectibles from the 20th century.
The museum’s setting is one of its most fascinating features. The 18th-century palace has been magnificently restored to appear like a private home and is opulently furnished with antiques. The entry fee includes a guided tour of the displays, which presents intriguing insights into the rarity and history of the collection. Check the museum’s program to see if a theatrical performance or special event is scheduled during your visit.
The Museum of Glass and Crystal is located in the former artisans’ neighborhood of San Felipe Neri in central Málaga. Discounted admission is available for children. The museum is closed on Mondays and throughout August. The museum is easy to access via public bus or on foot when exploring the city’s historic district.
