A house near Playamar Beach is transformed into a creative haven by wild mosaics and recycled items.

Carpenter Antonio Montañez, affectionately dubbed the Gaudí of Axarquia, has spent nearly a decade reshaping a property in Torremolinos into a dynamic space for creativity and about creativity. Locals recognise his distinctive style from earlier works in Moclinejo, Axarquia, where he revitalised rural corners using construction scraps and the iconic trencadís technique pioneered by Antoni Gaudí. This fragmented tile method, also embraced by Santiago Calatrava in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, defines much of Montañez’s output.

Casa Montañez has turned out to be major legacy

Five storeys and 300 square metres define the existing Casa Museo de la Axarquia, yet Montañez now readies an even larger venture. Calle Tirreno 7 near Playamar will soon be home to a 500-square metre artistic environment. The site is far from a traditional building. It pulses with a heartbeat, where dreams become walls, memories into mosaics and everyday life turns to pure art.

Enjoy the richness of eclectic collections

The space is filled with a variety of exhibits. Antique toys and historic tiles from Seville’s Mensaque Factory are exhibited together. Sculptures by various creators, including pieces by Montañez himself, mingle with vintage photographs capturing Torremolinos in its glamorous early tourism era. A collection of period paintings from the entire region, including Malaga and the artist’s own roots, completes the display.

A showcase of collective talent at the inaugural exhibition

Currently, the final administrative details delay the public release. But preparations also include a large collective exhibition with nearly fifty artists. Guests can explore the home of this restless artist and discover his passions once doors are opened. Montañez effectively competes with his own achievements by expanding the artistic footprint in Costa del Sol.

Torremolinos gains new cultural landmark

Torremolinos’ unique project is a must-see for anyone who loves unconventional art, sustainable design and innovative architecture. Montañez’s hands-on approach, mixing craftsmanship with imagination, echoes Gaudí’s spirit while rooting deeply in Andalusian traditions. Fans of recycled creativity and modernist influences will find inspiration everywhere.

Why visit the new arts space?

Future explorations promise guided insights into the techniques that earned Montañez his nickname. From colourful façades to intimate interior details, every element tells a story of transformation and steadfastness. As the opening draws near, excitement grows for an experience which blurs the lines between residence, museum and living artwork along the Malaga coastline.