Alte Pinakothek, Munich (must see)

The Alte Pinakothek (Old Pinacoteca), the art gallery in Munich's Kunstareal art district, displays European paintings from the period prior to the 19th century. It boasts an extensive collection that includes masterpieces from the Wittelsbach Royal family and contributions from prominent art collectors.

In 1826, King Ludwig I of Bavaria commissioned the construction of the Alte Pinakothek. Architect Leo von Klenze designed this structure in the Italian Renaissance style, which later served as a model for numerous art galleries throughout Europe. During World War II, the museum temporarily closed its doors, and its collections were safely relocated. Subsequently, the building suffered damage from bombings during the war and was subsequently restored in the 1950s by architect Hans Döllgast. As a reminder of the war's destruction, Döllgast left the exterior walls with exposed brickwork covering the bomb-related holes.

The Alte Pinakothek houses a remarkable collection of over 8,000 valuable artworks created before the 19th century. The collection encompasses works by German artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries, Dutch masterpieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries, Flemish art, as well as Italian, French, and Spanish works from the 13th to the 18th centuries. One of its notable treasures is Rubens' expansive canvas known as the 'Last Judgment.' The museum is open on all days of the week except for Mondays and public holidays, offering audio guides in English to enhance the visitor experience.

Why You Should Visit:
Fantastic museum to visit if you admire the classics. Thorough selection of Reubens, Turner, Monet, and van Gogh.... and a terrific copy of the Mona Lisa in better condition than the original hanging in the Louvre.

Tip:
Come on Sunday, as entrance is a symbolic €1 – incredible value!
Inexpensive regular price includes an audio guide, and there are interpretive displays in English and German.
You can also purchase a multi-museum day pass for Alte/Neue/der Moderne Pinakothek.