For art lovers, Munich is a true goldmine: numerous museums and galleries showcase both classical and modern works by renowned artists. You can visit some of these venues on Sundays for just €1 —perfect if you want to save money without having to miss out on much. If you consider yourself an art enthusiast, there’s one place in this city you simply can’t miss. Located in Maxvorstadt, the Kunstareal spans 66 hectares, where you’ll stumble upon an exhibition practically at every turn. This year, it’s celebrating its anniversary.
200 years as a cultural hub
The Kunstareal traces its origins to 1826, when King Ludwig I moved the LMU from Landshut to Munich to bring culture and education to the city. He himself was a passionate collector and wanted to turn the Bavarian capital into a major art hub —which he succeeded in doing. In 1830, the Glyptothek on Königsplatz opened as the first part of “Isar-Athens”; the Alte Pinakothek followed as “Isar-Florence.” So it’s clear where Ludwig drew his inspiration from.
The architecture of the Kunstareal rangesfrom ancient Greece to the Rococo and modern buildings. While Königsplatz follows a Greek model, the Alte Pinakothek has an Italian influence. The Lenbachhaus, on the other hand, combines contemporary and classical architecture by integrating the Lenbach Villa into the modern museum building.
The versatile Kunstareal
Over the decades, the Kunstareal has continued to grow and now encompasses 18 museums, more than 40 galleries, six universities, and other cultural institutions. The offerings are diverse, ranging from contemporary art at the Pinakothek der Moderne and the Museum Brandhorst to classical works at the Alte Pinakothek and the Museum of Egyptian Art. The museums and exhibitions take you on a journey through 5,000 years of art history, beginning with the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks and ending in the present day. From Da Vinci to Rembrandt and Van Gogh to Gabriele Münter and Wassily Kandinsky, numerous significant artists are represented here.
In addition to the exhibitions, there are other cultural institutions and events you can visit in the Kunstareal, such as the Amerikahaus or the Oskar-von-Miller-Forum. In the Old Botanical Garden, not only a new beer garden but also the Art Pavilion awaits you. Furthermore, there are regular guided walks through the Kunstareal with various themes. But exploring the area on your own is also fun. Admire the imposing buildings on Königsplatz, dance salsa and bachata at the Pinakotheken, and let yourself be impressed by the neighborhood’s diversity.
