Photograph of a bust and paintings to illustrate art galleries in Munich

Home to some of the best art museums in the world, Munich is definitely a must-visit for art lovers everywhere. The Bavarian capital is surely one of the hottest artistic hubs in Europe. In fact, museums and art galleries dot the area, making them easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. 

If you’re an art enthusiast and are heading to the city soon, here’s our top 10 list of the best art galleries in Munich, Germany:

1. Alte Pinakothek

Screenshot of the Alte Pinakothek Munich home page

Opened in 1836 by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, Alte Pinakothek (Old Pinakothek) is now known as one the world’s oldest galleries. This Munich art museum features more than 700 classic artworks from the 14th to the 18th century.

As their official website tells us, Alte Pinakothek enables visitors to “experience encounters with works by Dürer, Raphael, Leonardo, Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Boucher and their contemporaries.”

In addition, you may also check out “temporary special exhibitions, guided tours, and events” during your visit.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Thursdays through Sundays). Closed on Mondays.
Address: Barer Str. 27, 80333 München
Phone: +49 89 23805216
Email: info@pinakothek.de

2. Bavarian National Museum

One of Germany’s largest museums, the Bavarian National Museum highlights both classic and modern artworks, jewelry, sculptures, weapons, and more. In fact, the place “collects, preserves and explores unique testimonies to the art, culture and history of Bavaria and its ties throughout Europe.”

A visitor shared about their experience on Google, saying the museum really has so much to offer. “I spent 3 hours there and only did two out of the three floors,” the person wrote. If you take your time in the museum, you can easily spend 5 fascinating hours there (or more!)

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Tuesdays through Sundays. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Prinzregentenstraße 3, 80538 München
Phone: +49 89 2112401
Email: kontakt@bayerisches-nationalmuseum.de

3. Haus der Kunst

On their official website, we can read that Haus der Kunst (House of Art) is “committed to studying the history and stories of contemporary art.” Initially opened in 1937 as Haus der Deutschen Kunst (House of German Art), the place has been exhibiting artworks since 1946.

Fast forward to the present, it has now “transformed into an international center for modern art,” cementing its reputation as one of the best modern art galleries in Munich. More than that, the venue also hosts performances and music events.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Thursdays
Address: Prinzregentenstraße 1, 80538 München
Phone: +49 89 21127113
Email:  mail@hausderkunst.de

4. Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung

The Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung (Hypo Cultural Foundation) officially opened its doors to the public in 1995. Of course, it also deserves to be on this list of popular art galleries in Munich since it attracts around 300,000 visitors per year.

Interestingly though, this 1,200-square meter venue actually doesn’t have its own permanent exhibition. Instead, it hosts up to three major exhibitions each year, which is part of its appeal. Besides, the changing displays give visitors a reason to keep coming back.

In any case, Kunsthalle serves as a hub for art and culture in downtown Munich as they continue to showcase both classic and modern art. Display pieces often range from photographs and paintings, to handicrafts and sculptures, and more.

Guided tours are available for children 6 to 12 years old. Just be sure to send them an email in advance for registration.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Address: Theatinerstraße 8, 80333 München
Phone: +49 89 224412
Email: kontakt@kunsthalle-muc.de

5. Lenbachhaus

Lenbachhaus is also one of the most visited modern and contemporary art galleries in Munich. The place has an exhibition area of 2,800 square meters and boasts over 35,000 pieces in its massive collection.

Meanwhile, a 5-star review on Google praises the Lenbachhaus’ Blue Rider collection as “particularly impressive.” The reviewer notes that “there is a rich collection of artworks, including a large number of Kandinsky paintings.”

Pro tip: While at the Lenbachhaus, you may also want to drop by Ella Cafe & Restaurant to enjoy their scrumptious dishes and exquisite wines.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesdays through Sundays). Closed on Mondays.
Address: Luisenstraße 33, 80333 München
Phone: +49 89 23396933
Email: fuehrungen-lenbachhaus@muenchen.de

6. Lothringer 13 Halle

In its Instagram bio, Lothringer 13 Halle describes itself as a “non-profit space for contemporary art.” Indeed, this gallery puts the spotlight on avant-garde pieces from local and international artists. 

If you’re the type who enjoys new, experimental artworks, you will enjoy Lothringer 13 Halle’s collections. Plus there’s always something new to discover since the exhibitions change on a regular basis.

As a review on TripAdvisor also tells us:

“This art gallery with an attached café is a hidden jewel in a nice area of Munich. The gallery shows a rotating selection of modern art and entrance is free.” 

Without a doubt, Lothringer 13 Halle is one of the must-see art galleries in Munich. 

Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Wednesdays through Sundays). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: Lothringer Str. 13, 81667 München
Phone: +49 89 66607333
Email: info@lothringer13.com

7. Museum Brandhorst

Having only opened in 2009, Museum Brandhorst is among the newest art galleries in Munich. 

To help visitors learn more about the displayed pieces, the museum offers guided tours for both English and German speakers. You also have the option to go for a kangaroo tour, if you’re visiting the place with your children. 

In addition, Museum Brandhorst also has a specialty bookshop for interested readers who may want to browse art-related books, children’s books, and souvenirs. Likewise, the museum’s Café im Zebra can be your go-to for tasty food, treats, and drinks. 

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Theresienstraße 35a, 80333 München
Phone: +49 89 238052286
Email: info@museum-brandhorst.de

8. Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA)

As its name implies, the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art focuses on graffiti, street art, and other types of contemporary art. This is one of the art galleries in Munich that provides a platform for both established and upcoming artists.   

Case in point, MUCA’s ‘City Lights’ exhibition features the works of Dutch artist Max Zorn – whose preferred medium is brown packing tape. Zorn also provides interested visitors with a masterclass.

On the other hand, those visiting with their kids will be glad to know that MUCA actually has a children’s program. Both the young and the young-at-heart can sign up for character design, graffiti workshops, T-shirt design, and more.   

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: Hotterstraße 12, 80331 München
Phone: +49 89 215524310
Email: info@muca.eu

9. Pinakothek der Moderne

Inaugurated in 2002, the Pinakothek der Moderne is a huge building with a 25-meter high glass dome. The structure was designed by German architect Stefan Braunfels and it took 7 years to finish construction.

Today, Pinakothek der Moderne has gained fame as one of the largest European modern art museums. Among its unique features is that it houses four distinct museums under a single roof namely art, graphic, architecture, and design.

According to their website, the museums’ collection “totals over 600,000 objects” together. You definitely have to check out their exhibitions while you’re in Munich. As one previous visitor aptly summed it up, “you can easily lose yourself for a few hours inside of this gigantic building.”

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Barer Str. 40, 80333 München
Phone: +49 89 23805360
Email: info@pinakothek-der-moderne.de

10. Residenz Museum

Located in the Munich Residence palace, Residenz Museum has always been a favorite among art enthusiasts and history buffs. The magnificent museum has everything from paintings and tapestries, to furniture and treasures, to religious items, porcelain collections, and more. 

When going there, try to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours to make the most of your experience. Also, make sure to pick up a free audio guide at the beginning of your tour. Alternatively, you may simply read the information (available in English and German) in each room to learn more.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München
Phone: +49 89 290671
Email: residenzmuenchen@bsv.bayern.detf

Other must-see art galleries in Munich

Of course, this list is just the tip of the iceberg and there are still many other interesting art galleries in Munich. Aside from those mentioned above, you can also check out the following:

  • American Contemporary Art Gallery
  • Galerie art:ig
  • Galerie Hegemann 
  • Kunstraum Muenchen
  • Kunstverein München
  • Munich Museum of Egyptian Art
  • Neue Pinakothek (temporarily closed for general renovation)
  • Nir Altsman
  • Rathausgalerie
  • Walter Storms Gallery


Ready to visit these inspiring locations? Well, make sure to book with King’s Hotels if you’re coming over. We’re the perfect place to both stay and work from between visits to these amazing art galleries in Munich. We’d be happy to provide your accommodation and coworking needs, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.