Anyone who lives in Munich and is interested in art is certainly familiar with “Der Blaue Reiter.” The almanac was published by Munich’s Piper Verlag and was considered an important work in the field. Over time, a group of artists gathered around the editorial team who were regarded as pioneers of modern art in the 20th century. Their works can be seen not only in Munich museums, such as the Lenbachhaus, but also in the surrounding area. One of these institutions is the Franz Marc Museum on Lake Kochel, where visitors can find not only his works but also those of his friends.
The “Blue Land” of the painter
Franz Marc was originally from Munich, where he met Wassily Kandinsky on Giselastraße. Together they founded the “Blauer Reiter, ” which was not merely a publication but also organized exhibitions. Over time, this evolved into a kind of artists’ association, though it did not see itself as such.
Marc loved the region around Lake Kochel, as he found inspiration there. He was drawn back here time and again to create painting studies, and eventually he even bought a house in the town of Kochel. He called the area his “Blue Land,” which is actually the nickname for the region around Murnau and Lake Riegsee. In 1986, the Franz Marc Museum was founded in Kochel am See .
A Visit to the Franz Marc Museum
If you’ve ever taken a day trip to swim at Lake Kochel, you’ve probably passed by the Franz Marc Museum. It ’s located right on the path to the lake and is practically impossible to miss. In 2008, it was expanded with an addition that increased the exhibition space by 700 square meters. Here you’ll find 150 paintings by Franz Marc as well as works by other artists associated with the “Blue Rider,” including Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, and Paul Klee. In addition to a permanent exhibition, there are also rotating exhibitions with various themes.
The Franz Marc Museum not only exhibits the art of its namesake but also tells his story. Gain insights into the painter’s life and learn more about what shaped his art and how he, in turn, influenced the art world. During your visit, you should definitely check out the sculpture garden as well. Here, art and nature form a symbiosis and engage in a dialogue with one another. The sculpture park is open to the public year-round. Don’t miss the café, where you can enjoy food and drinks with a view of the lake.
📍 Location: Franz Marc Park 10, 82431 Kochel
🕐 Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💶 Price information: €11 regular, €6 reduced
