In Munich’s Kunstareal , you ’ll take a journey through art history from antiquity to the present. If you’re primarily fans of modern art, the Museum Brandhorst is a great place to visit, alongside the Lenbachhaus and the Pinakothek der Moderne. With its colorful architecture, it stands out from afar and is a real eye-catcher even from the outside. But the interior is just as colorful, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, and many other artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Extensive collection with over 2,000 works
The founder of the Museum Brandhorst is Udo Brandhorst, who began collecting art together with his wife Anette as early as the 1970s. Initially, this was done without any real system, but over time the couple began to develop areas of focus. Their collection thus centered primarily on the two American artists Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly. However, German artists are also represented, including Sigmar Polke and Martin Kippenberger. Over time, their collection grew to around 1,000 pieces.
After the death of his wife Anette, Udo decided to exhibit the collection in a museum. In 2009, the Museum Brandhorst finally opened its doors. The collection has continued to grow since then and has doubled in size to over 2,000 works. Andy Warhol accounts for 120 of these, making it the largest collection of his art in Europe. You can even view 170 works by Cy Twombly here , which take up an entire floor to themselves.
Museum Brandhorst: Artistic Inside and Out
In addition to Warhol and Cy Twombly, the Museum Brandhorst offers a wealth of other works spanning from the 1930s to the present day. Spanning three floors and several mezzanines, you’ll stroll through ever-changing exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, and photographs. You can explore these either on guided tours or on your own . Admission is free for visitors under 18. But even if you’re of legal age, you can visit the Museum Brandhorst at a low cost—on Sundays, admission is just €1!
Aside from the impressive collection inside, the building itself is a work of art. The façade of the Museum Brandhorst consists of a total of 36,000 ceramic rods in 23 different colors. It’s safe to say that this building is probably the most colorful in all of Munich. The rods conceal a folded screen that ensures no traffic noise penetrates the museum. Depending on the viewing angle, the colorful rods create different effects for the observer, making it well worth walking around the building. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t miss the interior either, especially if you’re a fan of modern and expressionist art.
📍 Location: Theresienstr. 35a
🕐 Hours: Tue, Wed, and Fri through Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Thu 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
💶 Price information: regular €9, reduced €7, Sundays €1
