Munich is teeming with galleries and art museums and even has its own art district where one building stands next to another. Among these institutions is the Lenbachhaus on Königsplatz, where you can admire works primarily by artists from Munich and the surrounding area. Every first Thursday of the month, the Lenbachhaus also invites you to a special event: As part of extra+, you can visit the museum for free from 6 to 10 p.m. There are also drinks and DJ beats—perfect for unwinding after work.
Art in Abundance
After the death of the “Prince of Painters” Franz von Lenbach, his wife sold his villa, along with its contents, to the City of Munich. The city transformed the building into an art gallery and had additional wings added. Starting in 1929, the building was open to the public, featuring primarily paintings by local artists as well as representatives of the Munich School .
In 1957 , on the occasion of her 80th birthday, Gabriele Münter donated a large portion of her husband Wassily Kandinsky’s paintings to the Lenbachhaus, which remains known today for housing the world’s largest collection of “Blue Rider” works. This art movement, initiated by Kandinsky, originated at Café Luitpold on Brienner Straße and later flourished in Murnau am Staffelsee. But you can also find other works, movements, and schools at the Lenbachhaus today. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there are also regularly changing collections, such as “Out of Focus” or Joseph Beuys’ sculptures.
extra+ at the Lenbachhaus
The Lenbachhaus is open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 10 a.m., and regular admission is €10, which includes an audio guide. However, on the first Thursday of every month, as part of the extra+ event, you have the opportunity to visit the museum for free between 6 and 10 p.m. A DJ from Radio 80.000 provides musical accompaniment, and you can enjoy cool drinks while strolling through the exhibitions. The Ingrid Werndl-Laue Foundation and the Lenbachhaus Friends Association fund extra+ for you, so you can experience art regardless of your budget.
In addition to the regular art collection, you can also view some of Lenbach’s rooms in their original condition at the Lenbachhaus. Furthermore, Max Kolb’s garden is considered an absolute highlight and you shouldn’t miss it. You can visit it for free at any time, not just as part of extra+. Enjoy the green idyll while the ornate fountain splashes away and take a moment to unwind.
📍 Location: Lenbachhaus, Luisenstr. 33
🕐 Hours: Tue, Wed & Fri–Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thu 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
💶 Price information: Regular €10, reduced €6, extra+ free (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
