An Art Lover’s Guide to Munich

Opened in 1836 with a collection that belonged to the House of Wittelsbach, the Old Pinakothek (Alte Pinakothek) tops the list of must-visit art galleries in Munich. It has one of the most extensive collections of European paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, including the works of artists including Rembrandt, Raphael, Dürer, and others. With some 700 paintings, the Alte Pinakothek can be overwhelming, so consider exploring with a local guide who knows all the highlights.

To pick up where the Alte Pinakothek—and the New Pinakothek (Neue Pinakothek), closed for renovations until 2029—leaves off, head to the Pinakothek der Moderne. Here, you'll find art dating from the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring four different disciplines: visual art, “works on paper,” architecture, and design. In honor of the museum’s 20th anniversary in 2022, curators opted to mix and match pieces in new ways throughout the galleries, offering a totally fresh perspective. One of the most convenient ways to get to Munich’s museum quarter and visit the Pinakothek der Moderne is on a hop-on hop-off bus.

Located in the residential neighborhood of Bogenhausen, the Museum Villa Stuck is dedicated to the artist Franz von Stuck, who made a name for himself at the turn of the 20th century. Von Stuck’s work is known for its focus on symbolism and mythology, often with dark and sinister elements. With a visit to his former residence you can check out some of his most famous works, admire rotating exhibits, and then wander through the property’s serene gardens.

It was the Crown Prince of Bavaria, Ludwig I, who first commissioned the construction of the Glyptothek in the early 19th century to display his collection of Greek and Roman sculptures. Today, it remains a key part of the Kunstareal museum quarter. The building itself is impressive, built in the Greek style with grand columns and a temple-like facade that makes it one of the most impressive artistic landmarks in Munich, as are the contents. You can gain insight into the mythology behind the sculptures on a guided Munich art tour.

The State Collection of Antiquities (another Wittelsbach collection) is located just next to the Glyptothek, with a focus on “minor art,” or decorated everyday objects and small-scale crafts. Inside, you’ll find items such as Etruscan terracotta pottery, gold jewelry from the 4th century BC, and drinking glasses once used by the Romans.

Insider tip: Head here on Sunday when most businesses in the city are closed—this is one of a handful of museums in Munich that offer €1 admission on Sundays.

With one of the most significant collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt, the State Collection of Egyptian Art (Staatliche Museum Ägyptischer Kunst) is a must-visit for those interested in art history. The entire collection is displayed underground, with grand hallways that give you the sense that you’ve stepped into a pharaoh’s tomb, providing an unforgettable immersive art experience in Munich. There, 5,000 years of art and culture are on display, taking you through Egypt’s history one artifact or digital installation at a time.

Dive deeper into the world of the German monarchy with a visit to the Marstallmuseum, aka the Museum of Carriages and Sleighs. Walk into what used to be the stables of the Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) and you’ll find the intricate designs of Bavarian royal carriages through the years, along with paintings and various pieces of riding equipment that give you a sense of what life was like for the Wittelsbach clan. Get skip-the-line tickets and tour both the museum and the Nymphenburg Palace together.

Opened in 2009, the Museum Brandhorst focuses on art from the 1960s onwards, offering a deep dive into the portfolios of several notable individuals in one of the top museums for art lovers in Munich. At this property in the northeast of the Kunstareal, you can see the largest collection of Andy Warhol pieces in all of Europe; the abstract work of Cy Twombly; and examples of pop art, postmodernism, neo-avant-garde art, and more. Children up to the age of 18 gain free admission to the museum, so bring the whole family along.

Although not exactly an art museum, the Munich Residence (Residenz München) is still a great place for exploring Munich’s artistic heritage. It served as both the seat of government and the residence of the royal family from the 16th to the 20th centuries. While strolling the halls of this grand palace, you can see art the Wittelsbachs collected over the generations, plus glimpse the lavish interior design of the mansion’s rooms. Visit on a guided tour to learn more about the Bavarian royal family that has shaped Munich’s art scene.

This historic-villa-turned-art-gallery contains the world’s largest collection of art from the Blue Rider Group, the pioneers of modern art in Munich during the 20th century. With an array of works from Blue Rider artists including Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, Franz Marc, and others, this is one of the top museums for art lovers in Munich. Exploring the property is another highlight of a visit to the Lenbachhaus—start in the modern golden cube addition, wander the villa’s hallways, then check out the secret gardens on the grounds.

The House of the Arts (Haus der Kunst) is dedicated to rotating Munich art exhibitions, with a focus on modern art by established contemporary artists and up-and-comers alike. First opened by the Nazi party in the 20th century and then used as a bomb shelter during World War II, this building now stands as a symbol of the darker moments in Munich’s history, and puts that history on display in a free exhibit called the Archive Gallery.