Arts & Culture in Munich
Are you looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture scene in Munich? From world-class museums and galleries to stunning architecture and lively festivals, this city has something for every art enthusiast. Whether you're interested in exploring classical masterpieces at the Alte Pinakothek or discovering contemporary works at the Haus der Kunst, Munich offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. Join us as we uncover the best that Munich has to offer for art and culture lovers.
1. Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich
Perfectly blends both the traditional and modern, The Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper) is award-winning and a must-see for any opera fan.
2. Lothringer 13 Halle, Munich
Temporary and Contemporary. This avant-garde art space offers an array of ever-changing programming. Performance, gallery, or discussion, this hotbed of creativity is a staple of the city’s art scene.
3. BMW Welt, Munich
To the front of the BMW headquarters lies the BMW museum in an expertly engineered building - looking more spacecraft than a museum. Inside, visitors can gain an insight into over 100 years of this proudly Munich-born car manufacturer.
4. Museum Brandhorst, Munich
Museum hosting over 200 modern artworks - from paintings and sculptures to photographs and multimedia installations. Brandhorst's collection includes over 100 works from Warhol and Twombly specifically.
5. Galerie Sabine Knust, Munich
Based in Knokke, this contemporary gallery showcases a mix of international artists across various media including sculpture, photography, and painting. The gallery has recently expanded its focus to include NTFs.
6. Munich Residenz, Munich
As a public museum, the City Palace of Munich offers a rare glimpse into the history and lifestyle of German aristocracy. Each room is opulent and artistic, making it an important cultural site.
7. Borstei, Munich
Venturing out of the city a little, this neighborhood offers visitors serine gardens dotted with bronze statues amongst the famous 1920s apartment blocks. People regularly travel to the area just to walk through the gardens.
8. Technical University of Munich, Munich
Many visitors to Königsplatz make it a point to visit this historic university. Considered the top university in Germany, visitors can discover the great innovators and thinkers who once roamed its hallways.
9. Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich
One of the largest modern art museums in Europe containing works from four independent collections. Visitors are encouraged to wander between exhibits at will. A sibling gallery of the equally famous Alte Pinakothek.
10. Glyptothek, Munich
Towering Neoclassical building containing a collection of Greek and Roman sculptures belonging to Ludwig I, the former king of Bavaria. Alongside large casts, the museum exhibits mosaics and reliefs. Some pieces are dated circa 650BC.
11. Galerie Wittenbrink, Munich
Compact gallery sharing contemporary art with options to purchase. Displaying paintings, sculptures, videos, and jewelry, this grand white building is worth a visit.
12. Haus der Kunst, Munich
Public museum without its own collection of artwork. Instead, Haus der Kunst focuses on hosting temporary and traveling exhibitions. The establishment seeks to study the history and story of contemporary pieces.
13. Museum Lichtspiele, Munich
A historic cinema in Munich offering a unique movie-going experience with its charming vintage setting for classic and modern film screenings. A must-visit for film lovers seeking nostalgia.
14. Galerie Thomas, Munich
Once trendy in the ’90s, expressionist art is often overlooked nowadays. Thankfully Galerie Thomas stays true to form and uses their space to display such thought-provoking pieces.
15. Deutsches Museum, Munich
The world’s largest science and technology museum exhibiting over 28,000 items. With something for all age ranges, the space features interactive exhibits and offers visitors insight into the inner workings of the world's innovations.
16. Herz-Jesu-Kirche, Munich
Proving that religion can keep up, this catholic church looks more apple store than place of worship. Set in a glass cube, the 16-meter-tall doors swing open at service times to reveal a (slightly) more modest church front.
17. Jüdisches Museum And Ohel Jakob Synagogue, Munich
A sensitive subject the city of Munich doesn’t shy away from, this Jewish Museum provides insight into the city’s Jewish history. Forming part of the new Jewish Centre, the site also houses a modern synagogue.
18. Galerie Jo Van De Loo, Munich
Galerie Jo Van De Loo gallery is a stone’s throw from Pinakothek der Moderne. This relatively small space, packs in a lot of art. Focusing on paint works, this contemporary gallery is a must-visit for all art lovers.
19. Alte Pinakothek, Munich
One of the oldest art galleries in the world. The grand Alte Pinakothek features a significant collection of Old Master paintings. Its sibling galleries are the Neue Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.
20. Lenbachhaus, Munich
Florentine-style villa housing the Städtische Galerie (Municipal Gallery) in Munich's Kunstareal. Originally built for painter Franz von Lenbach but has been publicly operated since 1929 with recent improvements done by Norman Foster.
21. Schackgalerie, Munich
Museum run by the Bavarian State Picture Collection. Houses a long-standing collection of Romanticism, history, and landscape paintings by such artists as Böcklin and Rottmann. One of the city's foremost art institutions.
22. Museum Villa Stuck, Munich
Historic house-turned-museum dedicated to the paintings and work of Franz Stuck, a beloved German artist and creative. Designed by Stuck himself, this 1800s villa features classical architecture and an Art Deco interior.