Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich
The Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich combines four distinct realms of art: painting, graphic art, architecture, and design. It's a popular destination for contemporary art enthusiasts across Europe.
The museum's home was conceived by Stephan Braunfels, a German architect with Munich roots, and it took shape from 1995 to 2002. The structure is noted for its rectangular design, expansive windows, and a grand roof topped with a glass dome spanning 25 meters, anchored by white and grey pillars, sprawling over 12,000 square meters.
Its modern painting gallery showcases pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries by both German and international artists. Additionally, visitors can find exhibits of video, photography, and new media art. The graphics collection spans a rich history, from the Wittelsbach Royal family's acquisitions to current-day pieces, with a staggering archive of 400,000 items, including classic German and Dutch sketches and modern works.
The architecture section offers a changing display of design plans, photos, models, and digital representations. The design exhibit presents a variety of pieces from industrial to vehicle design, along with graphic and computer-aided designs. Since 2004, a dedicated jewelry display funded by the Danner Foundation has been a highlight, featuring the works of over a hundred craftsmen from around the globe.
Why You Should Visit:
The building is great, the gift shop is great, and the temporary exhibitions are always interesting.
Additionally, the design department is nothing short of superb featuring design evolution with beautiful iconic exhibits.
Tip:
Free audioguide with picture ID – worthwhile especially to get an understanding of why the building is designed as it is.
You can also purchase a multi-museum day pass for Alte/Neue/der Moderne Pinakothek.
The museum's home was conceived by Stephan Braunfels, a German architect with Munich roots, and it took shape from 1995 to 2002. The structure is noted for its rectangular design, expansive windows, and a grand roof topped with a glass dome spanning 25 meters, anchored by white and grey pillars, sprawling over 12,000 square meters.
Its modern painting gallery showcases pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries by both German and international artists. Additionally, visitors can find exhibits of video, photography, and new media art. The graphics collection spans a rich history, from the Wittelsbach Royal family's acquisitions to current-day pieces, with a staggering archive of 400,000 items, including classic German and Dutch sketches and modern works.
The architecture section offers a changing display of design plans, photos, models, and digital representations. The design exhibit presents a variety of pieces from industrial to vehicle design, along with graphic and computer-aided designs. Since 2004, a dedicated jewelry display funded by the Danner Foundation has been a highlight, featuring the works of over a hundred craftsmen from around the globe.
Why You Should Visit:
The building is great, the gift shop is great, and the temporary exhibitions are always interesting.
Additionally, the design department is nothing short of superb featuring design evolution with beautiful iconic exhibits.
Tip:
Free audioguide with picture ID – worthwhile especially to get an understanding of why the building is designed as it is.
You can also purchase a multi-museum day pass for Alte/Neue/der Moderne Pinakothek.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Pinakothek der Moderne on Map
Sight Name: Pinakothek der Moderne
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Munich, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Munich
Creating your own self-guided walk in Munich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Munich Introduction Walking Tour
Set along the banks of the River Isar, just north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is a city steeped in history, where centuries-old buildings meet a rich array of cultural landmarks and modern-day energy.
The first recorded mention dates back to 1158. The name is believed to come from the Old and Middle High German word “munichen”, meaning “by the monks.” It refers to the Benedictine monks... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The first recorded mention dates back to 1158. The name is believed to come from the Old and Middle High German word “munichen”, meaning “by the monks.” It refers to the Benedictine monks... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Third Reich Munich Walking Tour
In the early decades of the 20th century, Munich became the birthplace of one of history’s darkest political movements. Long before the world knew what was coming, Bavaria’s capital had already laid the groundwork for the rise of the National Socialist German Workers' Party-better known as the Nazi Party.
From 1933 to 1945, the Third Reich took hold of Germany under Adolf Hitler’s... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
From 1933 to 1945, the Third Reich took hold of Germany under Adolf Hitler’s... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shops
"Collect moments, not things," wise men say. In reference to travel, this may be interpreted as the prevalence of experiences and memories over material gains. Still, when it comes to travel mementos, albeit material they are, memories and experiences are primarily what these little (or not so little) tokens are all about.
And it would be a pity to leave Munich without bringing home... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
And it would be a pity to leave Munich without bringing home... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Munich’s Old Town, known as the Altstadt, unfolds across the western bank of the River Isar-a captivating blend of medieval charm, architectural brilliance, and deep cultural roots. As the historic heart of the Bavarian capital, it’s more than just a preserved district-it is is listed as a historical monument and is a living museum – “where the past harmonizes with the present in a grand... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
12 German-Made Things to Buy in Munich
The Bavarian capital Munich, much as the whole state of Bavaria, form an inseparable part of the German image, although a very unique part in its difference to the rest of the country, including the language. Bavarian beer occupies an important place in German heritage, from the infamous 1920s Beer...
Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Munich
While there are many restaurants and cafes in downtown Munich for a visitor to choose from, by far not all of them are truly worth visiting. Here's the solid list of quality cafes and restaurants that will add greatly to your Munich experience. Each restaurant and cafe featured here offers...