The factory was built between 1923 and 1927 to replace an older facility located in the city center.
During the Spanish Civil War, the factory was one of the few large industrial operations to maintain significant production levels.
At its peak, the factory employed over 6,000 women, known as 'cigarreras', who were the primary labor force.
The complex was designed by architect Marín-Baldo, who utilized neo-Mudejar elements within the industrial aesthetic.
Following the cessation of tobacco production in 2002, the site underwent a decade-long restoration process to convert it into a museum hub.
The Museo Automovilístico collection includes over 90 classic vehicles, some dating back to the late 19th century.
The site hosts a significant portion of the Saint Petersburg State Russian Museum's collection outside of Russia.
The Edificio Tabacalera is a sprawling industrial heritage complex in Málaga that once operated as the city's main tobacco factory, La Fábrica de Tabacos, established in the 1920s. The site now serves as a multi-functional cultural hub housing the Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda and the Colección del Museo Ruso. Its architectural design exhibits a blend of regionalist and industrial styles, featuring extensive brickwork and large internal courtyards. The complex is formally known as the Antigua Fábrica de Tabacos. It remains a key focal point for cultural tourism in the Carretera de Cádiz district. The facility integrates historical preservation with active exhibition spaces.
The main courtyard entrance, which showcases the symmetrical brick-red industrial facades and decorative ceramic details.
Plan your visit to coincide with the changing of exhibitions to see rotationally displayed artifacts.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the campus is expansive and involves moving between separate building wings.
Check the official city tourism website before visiting, as separate museums within the complex maintain their own specific entry requirements.
Do not mistake the entire building for a single museum; the complex houses several distinct entities with separate entry points.
Closed on Mondays.
