Museo de Belenes
Museum in Mollina with more than a hundred artistic nativity scenes across seven rooms and an outdoor area devoted to the Andalusian countryside.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo de Belenes grew out of the passion for nativity scenes (belenismo) of Antonio Díaz and Ana Caballero, founders of the Fundación Díaz Caballero. After meeting the nativity-scene maker Antonio Bernal, they decided to create a space to preserve and promote this art. The initial idea was a room of about 150 square metres with six nativity scenes representative of Spain; the collaboration of master nativity-scene makers from all over Spain expanded the project into the museum that opened in 2017.
The building stands beside the A-92 motorway, on the outskirts of Mollina. Inside, seven rooms house more than a hundred nativity scenes, including dioramas, domes and large monumental nativity scenes, with more than 2,000 figures. The pieces come mainly from Spain and Italy, although there are also works from countries such as India, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Austria, many of them donated by their makers.
The route continues outdoors with an exhibition of Andalusian rural life and customs: two olive mills, a traditional dwelling from the early 20th century and farm tools. The museum also offers an educational programme for school groups, from primary school to university.
Highlights
- More than 100 artistic nativity scenes and more than 2,000 figures across seven rooms
- 25-metre nativity scene with scenes and monuments from the eight Andalusian provinces
- Circular nativity scene “Monte Sacro”, 10 metres in diameter, with Bible scenes
- Neapolitan and Sicilian nativity scenes by Italian masters
- Outdoor area with olive mills, a traditional Andalusian house and a children's playground
Permanent exhibitions
- Belenes de todo el mundo – Seven rooms with more than a hundred nativity scenes: dioramas, domes and large monumental nativity scenes, including a 25-metre Andalusian nativity scene and a circular one 10 metres in diameter.
- Campo andaluz – Outdoor area with two olive mills, a traditional Andalusian house from the early 20th century and farm tools.
- Founded
- 2017
- Operated by
- Fundación Díaz Caballero
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4.50Children aged 4 to 12 (€4.50); people over 65 (€5.50) |
| Children & teens | €4.50Children aged 4 to 12. Admission is free up to the age of 4. |
| Seniors | €5.50People over 65. |
| Groups (12+ people) | €5.50 per personPrice per person; groups of at least 12 adults, with advance booking at reservas@museodebelenes.com. |
Free admission: Every Tuesday from 18:00 to 19:00.
Advance tickets can be bought on the museum's website.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site has ramps, lifts and adapted toilets, and staff will help anyone who needs it. Only assistance animals (guide dogs) are admitted.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|
- Playground / play area
The museum presents itself as a place for all ages. The outdoor area has a children's playground.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Parada de autobús de Mollina · 400 m
The ALSA bus company connects Mollina with Antequera, Málaga, Granada and Seville. From the bus stop it is about 400 metres to the museum, which lies on the outskirts, so walking there is not recommended.
By car
Free parking
Free car park at the rear of the museum, and large areas nearby for cars and coaches.
The museum is beside the A-92 motorway (exit 138), 65 km from Málaga, 18 km from the Dólmenes de Antequera and 47 km from the Caminito del Rey. Antequera-Santa Ana AVE station is 11 minutes away by car, with no direct bus; there is a taxi rank in the centre of Mollina (Plaza de Málaga, 8; phone +34 952 740 170).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Café with quick meals, and chocolate with churros as an afternoon snack, open continuously (phone +34 951 834 114). The shop sells local products such as olive oil, mantecados and wine from Mollina. Large backpacks and bags can be left in a secure area; ask the staff.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography is allowed, but not with tripods or selfie sticks. |
| Good to know | Guided tours are only available by prior request (reservas@museodebelenes.com or +34 951 197 362) and for groups of up to 20 people. The educational programme for school groups, from primary school to university, is booked on the same phone number. Entry is not permitted without a shirt or in swimwear, and food or alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the rooms. |
