The Munich City Museum remains closed due to renovation work, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the city’s history. Other attractions, such as the Wittelsbach Crypt, the Residenz, or the exhibition at the Alter Hof, offer insights into the history of the Bavarian nobility. The Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, on the other hand, offers a more down-to-earth experience. If you’d like to learn more about the festival and the drink served there—just in time for the upcoming start of Oktoberfest —then you should stop by here.
Bavarian beer culture up close
Bavaria is known for its beer. But how did it all start? You’ll find out at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, whose permanent exhibition addresses this question, among others. Located between Marienplatz and Isartor , it’s housed in one of the city’s oldest townhouses, dating back to the 14th century. Since 2005, it has taken visitors on a journey through over 5,000 years of beer history: from its beginnings in ancient Egypt, through the development of the Bavarian Purity Law, to its current significance in Munich. You’ll also learn more about the art of brewing itself and how beer is actually made.
And as the name suggests, the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum isn’t just about the drink—it’s also about the world’s largest folk festival. If you want to be armed with the right historical facts before the Wiesn kicks off, be sure to stop by here. Learn how a wedding celebration featuring horse races turned into a world-famous event that attracts millions of visitors every year. That way, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with a few fun facts right when the first keg is tapped.
Beer at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum
Of course, you can also sample beer at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. On the ground floor of the building is the Museumsstüberl, which serves the hoppy brew straight from a wooden barrel. It also offers Bavarian cuisine to help you refuel after your visit. The Museumsstüberl also offers beer tastings—both guided and unguided—where you can sample different varieties of Augustiner.
The easiest way to reach the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum is by public transit—either by S-Bahn, tram, or bus from Isartor, or by U-Bahn from Marienplatz. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Unlike beer prices at the Wiesn, admission to the museum is a reasonable €4 for adults and €2.50 for children, schoolchildren, seniors, and students. For €8, you can take a guided tour upon request; the minimum group size is 8 people.
📍 Address: Sterneckerstr. 2
🕐 Hours: Mon–Sat from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💶 Price information: €4 regular, €2.50 reduced
