There are so many galleries and museums in Munich that a dedicated art district has even formed, where you can find everything from classical to contemporary art. On weekends and holidays, when most of us actually have time to visit the exhibitions, they are often overcrowded. If you want to take your time viewing the works without constantly having someone blocking your view, you should head to the museums in the surrounding area. The Kallmann Museum in Ismaning is just a stone’s throw away and delights fans of modern art without drawing the crowds.
A museum in the palace gardens
Until 1983, there was a neoclassical orangery in the Ismaning Palace Park. However, it was demolished and rebuilt as a museum in 1991. It is dedicated to the German artist Hans Jürgen Kallmann, who lived in Pullach in the Isar Valley from 1952 until his death in 1991. He was best known for his oil portraits of well-known figures such as Theodor Heuss and Konrad Adenauer . The Kallmann Museum houses a collection of his works and dedicates a special exhibition to him once a year. In addition, temporary exhibitions feature modern works by other artists.
In front of the museum is a small labyrinth of beech hedges and saplings that lead you into the museum. This work was created in 2005 as part of the Federal Horticultural Show in Munich by the American artist Matt Mullican. The 15 trees have been pruned into sculptures, so you’ll encounter art even on your way into the museum. Furthermore, the Schlosspavillon, which is also located in the park grounds, houses another gallery.
Expansion of the Kallmann Museum
Until 2025, the Kallmann Museum underwent major renovations that expanded the exhibition space. By covering the courtyard, they gained an additional 100 m², so the museum now measures a total of 500 m² and offers even more space for art. In addition to Kallmann’s works, three other exhibitions await you, which will change again in June and July. This means there will soon be something new to see at the Kallmann Museum.
If you’re passionate not only about the visual but also the auditory, you should stop by one of the concerts. The focus is primarily on jazz, but other genres are also featured. If you’re a jazz fan, we also recommend checking out The Jazz Room in Munich. In addition to art and music , the Kallmann Museum regularly hosts artist talks where the creators themselves have their say . For a quick bite, head to the in-house café, whose coffee comes from the Alrighty roastery in Munich’s Werksvierteldistrict.
📍 Location: Kallmann Museum, Schloßstraße 3b, 85737 Ismaning
🕐 Opening hours: Tue–Sun from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
💶 Price information: €6
