“Flock of Sheep,” Francois-Xavier Lalanne, 1965/1979, and “Model to the Third International,” a reconstruction of Vladimir Tatlin’s 1919-1920 monument made by Les Ateliers Longepe (Chatillon) in 1979 

The remodeled port area in Malaga is pristine. Probably particularly appealing to the crowds regurgitated from cruise ships who feel comforted by the familiar upscale chains that populate the waterfront mall.

Until 2015.

The City Council of Malaga took an incredibly bold step to enter into a contract with the Pompidou Center in Paris to open its first branch outside of France – Centre Pompidou Malaga. I have no idea whether the investment is paying off, but it’s a beautiful facility that mounts major exhibitions further enhancing Malaga’s strong reputation as a city of internationally important museums.

Of course, Malaga had a head start. It is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). And you cannot take many steps through the city without bumping into a reminder of the fact.

“El Cubo,” Pompidou Centre

“Group of 13 (Homage to Amnesty International),” Eva Aeppli, 1968

Pompidou Centre

“Flock of Sheep,” Francois-Xavier Lalanne, 1965/1979, and “Characters and Birds in the Night,” Joan Miro, 1974

“The Prophet (Great Prophet),” Pablo Gargallo, 1933/1936,

“Odalisque with Red Trousers,” Henri Matisse, 1921

“The Fall of Icarus,” Marc Chagall, 1974/1977

“The Prophet (Great Prophet),” Pablo Gargallo, 1933/1936

painting on the left, “The Luncheon on the Grass,” Alain Jacquet, 1964

“Everything Emanates from the Will of the People,” Jorg Immendorff, 1976

“N.Y.: 06:00 A.M.,” Frank Scurti, 1995-2000

works by Henri Matisse

“Model to the Third International,” a reconstruction of Vladimir Tatlin’s 1919-1920 monument made by Les Ateliers Longepe (Chatillon) in 1979

“Sense of Danger (The Running Man),” Kazimir Malevich, 1930-1931

“Spring,” Pablo Picasso, 1956

“The Old Lady of the Garden,” Frank Stella, 1986

“Flock of Sheep,” Francois-Xavier Lalanne, 1965/1979

Henri Matisse and his model, Henriette Darricarrere, about 1927

“Flock of Sheep,” Francois-Xavier Lalanne, 1965/1979, and “Model to the Third International,” a reconstruction of Vladimir Tatlin’s 1919-1920 monument made by Les Ateliers Longepe (Chatillon) in 1979

“Head of Montserrat Screaming,” Julio Gonzalez, 1942

“Marcel Says ‘Good Day’ To You,” Jean-Michel Alberola, 2002

The museum is reputed to often attract crowds packed like sardines in a tin (apologies to Frank Scurti’s sardine-tin bed above). But we totally lucked out on our timing. Could relax and graze slowly gazing at the art (apologies also to Francois-Xavier Lalanne’s “Flock of Sheep,” evidently possessing good taste).

Truly felt like visiting a miniature Parisian Pompidou. Except luxuriously private and intimate.