A wooden wagon in the heart of Mijas Pueblo
The Mijas Miniatures Museum is located near to the Virgen de la Peña grotto, one of the most visited spots in Mijas Pueblo. Open all year long, its outer façade mimics the appearance of the wooden wagon housed at the museum during the 1970s. Today, it has been restored and can be visited from 10 in the morning. Tickets cost 3 euros for adults, 2 euros for pensioners and 1.50 euros for children up to 14 years of age.
An unconventional museum
In 1972 the doctor Juan Elegido Millán (a hypnotist known by the nickname of Max) fulfilled his life-long dream by opening his own Miniatures Museum in Mijas. On his world travels he managed to collect extraordinary pieces such as stuffed clothed fleas and a miniature human head. Therefore, one of the interesting things about the exhibition is that it's necessary to use a magnifying glass to see many of the pieces. And it's no wonder, the museum's paintings have not been done on canvasses but on grains of rice or pinheads.
Miniature art through a magnifying glass
Upon entering the museum there are two large swathes equipped with a magnifying glass. Inside each one you can also see various miniatures. For example, you'll see a ballet dancer carved on a toothpick, a naval battle scene on a pinhead and Dalí's painting "Christ of Saint John of the Cross"on a pushpin. Grains of rice are another element used by artists in the miniature world to showcase their creativity. As a case in point, Nefertiti and the donkey-taxi have their own version on a grain of rice. The exhibition even has a collection of miniature jewels and furnishings.
An unforgettable day
Visiting the Miniatures Museum is an experience in itself but, once you have discovered all its secrets, the Costa del Sol has much more to offer. Only a few kilometres away you'll find the beaches of Fuengirola and La Cala de Mijas. If you go towards Benalmádena you can visit one of the biggest Buddhist pagodas in Europe. But if you decide to stay in Mijas Pueblo you can enjoy the Virgen de la Peña park, visit the Wine Museum if you fancy seeing more exhibitions or go on a hike around the town and the surrounding areas.
Because on the Costa del Sol you'll find out of the ordinary leisure activities which are perfect for you and which can be enjoyed during the winter months. Some as original as the Miniatures Museum in a wagon in the heart of Mijas.
Some helpful tips:
If you want to take photos of the miniatures you'll need a camera with a good zoom.
Take a photo with the wagon housed at the museum.
Visit the Virgen de la Peña park and the Wine Museum.
Lose yourself on the whitewashed streets of Mijas Pueblo
