Munich is home to numerous art museums that take you on a journey through every era. From ancient collections to urban art, our city offers the full spectrum. But even beyond the traditional art museums, Munich’s museum scene offers a wide selection of exciting institutions. If you’re fascinated by other cultures, then the Museum Fünf Kontinente is the place for you. It’s especially worth a visit this weekend, as the collection is celebrating its 100th anniversary at its current location.
From Munich to the World Since 1862
The idea for an ethnological museum in the Bavarian capital first arose as early as 1835. It would take nearly 30 more years before it was actually realized. In 1862, Maximilian II founded the Royal Ethnographic Collection, which would later become the Museum of the Five Continents. Nevertheless, it was the first of its kind in all of Germany. The collection was initially located in the Hofgarten before moving to its current location at Maximilianstraße 42 on July 12, 1926.
Over the decades, the collection has grown to over 160,000 items and includes works of art and everyday objects from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In addition, the museum houses around 135,000 photographs as well as a library containing approximately 100,000 specialized books. So if you’re interested in non-European history and cultures, the Museum of Five Continents is a must-visit for you.
Celebrating 100 Years of the Museum Fünf Kontinente
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the move to Maximilianstraße, which is why the Museum of the Five Continents is hosting a big celebration on July 12. On Sundays, admission is usually just €1 anyway, but it’s free for the anniversary. Throughout the day, there will be several guided tours you can join to learn more about the exhibitions and get fascinating background information. There will also be music in the foyer and in the permanent exhibitions. Plus, you can look forward to poetry slams and street art in the outdoor area.
Of course, there will also be a birthday cake, which museum director Dr. Uta Werlic will cut at 2 p.m. in the foyer. In addition to the offerings at the museum café, there will also be a food truck on site serving Mexican delicacies. Children can get creative at the graffiti and mosaic workshops . There is a €7 fee for both workshops; for the graffiti workshop, advance registration via kunstvermittlung@mfk-weltoffen.de is also required. The museum scavenger hunt, however, is free of charge and allows the little ones to explore the museum in a playful way.
📍 Address: Maximilianstraße 42
📅 Date: Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💶 Price information: Free admission
