State Russian Museum To Open Spanish Outpost

Former tobacco factory in Malaga that will house the St. Petersburg satellite museum Photo: Alf Melin

The State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg’s largest art institution is opening its first European satellite in Malaga, Spain, the Art Newspaper reports. The 10-year agreement was sealed Tuesday in St Petersburg while mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre was visiting the city. He was accompanied by the director of the Fundación Picasso Museo Casa Natal, José María Luna.

A former tobacco factory will house 100 works from the State Russian Museum starting early 2015. Temporary exhibitions will be held in addition to that main collection. The factory, built in the 1920s, also houses a car museum. 2,300 square meters (25,000 square feet) will be dedicated to art. The works lent by St. Petersburg will include a wide span from 15th century icons to 20th century paintings of Cubist, Constructivist, and Social Realist styles.

The addition of the Russian state museum to the Spanish city is a part of the mayor’s efforts to strengthen the Malaga’s cultural influence. De la Torre’s efforts have also brought a satellite of Paris’ Centre Pompidou to Malaga’s waterfront, which is due to open next year.


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