Munich is home to many museums that focus on specific artists. The Museum Brandhorst houses comprehensive collections dedicated to Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly, while the Villa Stuck focuses primarily on Franz von Stuck. All of these men are visual artists, but the performing arts are also well represented in Munich. The comedian Karl Valentin is now considered a city icon, honored not only by a fountain at the Viktualienmarkt but also by his very own museum (or “Musäum”) at the Isartor. After necessary renovations, it is finally reopening its doors this Friday.
Old and New at the Musäum
The Musäum at the Isartor has been around since 1959; in 2023, it was on the verge of closing. Due to inadequate fire safety measures, renovations were necessary, but these could not be reconciled with historic preservation requirements. After initial plans were rejected, a solution was finally found, and the Valentin-Karlstadt-Musäum was able to remain. Today, Friday, July 10, it is celebrating its reopening—and this time, the name says it all.
The museum’s first floor is entirely dedicated to the life and work of Karl Valentin. Here you’ll find some popular props, including new ones such as the hobbyhorse from the sketch “Schwerer Reiter” or the small bicycle from “Glückliche Reise.” Also new is the exhibition on the second floor, which focuses on Valentin’s stage partner, Liesl Karlstadt. There’s also a screen here showing one of the duo’s sketches every half hour. Plus, you can see a replica of the heart from Karlstadt’s grave. Last but not least, head up to the Turmstüberl, where you can reflect on your visit over coffee and cake.
Grand Reopening Celebration
Today, July 10, the day has finally arrived, and you can visit the Valentin-Karlstadt-Musäum again. To mark the occasion, the museum invites you to explore it all day long with free admission. There will also be live music in the courtyard featuring, among others, Hasemann’s Töchter, the Hippie Chamber Orchestra, and Loisach Marci. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., there will be plenty of fun around and inside the Musäum for you to enjoy. Of course, the Turmstüberl will be providing food and drinks with its own stand in the courtyard.
If you can’t make it to the celebration, you can of course stop by on another day and visit the Musäum for €3.99. Apprentices, seniors, and children under 18 enjoy free admission. In the coming weeks , there will be more guided tours to mark the grand reopening , which you can book for an additional €6. The exhibitions are accessible only via a spiral staircase and are therefore not wheelchair-accessible.
📍 Address: Im Isartor, Tal 50
🕐 Opening hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except Wednesdays), Sundays starting at 10 a.m.
💶 Price information: regular €3.99, reduced €2.99
📅 Opening celebration: Friday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (free admission)
