Munich, Germany’s Vibrant Arts Scene

Munich’s vibrant arts scene will give art lovers plenty to keep them busy. Home to both large-scale museums and small, independent gallery spaces, Munich offers some of the best opportunities to view international modern and traditional art in all of Germany. From the world- renowned Bavarian National Museum to the eclectic Stroke Art Fair, visitors to this arts mecca are sure to find something of interest. Here are some ideas of tried and true venues to get you started on your artistic exploration.

Munich Museums

Munich is home to a number of large, reputable museums with collections ranging from traditional Bavarian art to 20^th-century modernist masterpieces. Be sure to check each museum’s website before you visit for the most recent information on opening hours, admissions fees and special exhibitions.

Bavarian National Museum
A visit to the Bavarian National Museum is essential in order to understand artistic traditions from this region. The museum’s collection features sculptures, antiquities, religious artifacts, ceramics, porcelain, tapestries, weapons, furniture, glass works, musical instruments and silverware. The historic building that houses this impressive collection is also a sight to behold.
Prinzregentenstrasse 3, Lehel, Munich
Tel: 089 2112401

Pinakothek der Moderne (Museum of Modern Art)
One of Munich’s newer museums (opened in 2002), Pinakothek der Moderne houses a breathtaking collection of 20th-century art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, design and film by some of the world’s greatest modern artists (including Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol). The stunning contemporary building that houses the Pinakothek der Moderne was designed by German architect Stephen Braunfels.
Barerstrasse 40, Munich
Tel: 089 23805360

Aegyptisches Museum (Egyptian Art Museum)
Travel back in time (over 3,000 years, to be exact) as you gaze upon the  Egypt Art Museum’s impressive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including a variety of well-preserved sculptures, statues, cultural artifacts and monuments.
Hofgartenstrasse 1, Munich
Tel: 089 298546

Art Events in Munich

Munich hosts a series of art events throughout the year. If you’re lucky enough to be there when one of them is happening, check out the event website for a schedule.

Stroke Art Fair: Art for the 21^st Century
Munich’s Stroke Art Fair typically takes place in the fall in a variety of locations throughout the city. It features interdisciplinary work by a variety of established and up-and-coming artists. Stroke is an international organization that hosts art fairs throughout the world (including one in Berlin).

Domagk Days at DomagkAteliers
The Domagkateliers are studios located in the northern part of Munich. Most of the Domagkateliers studio space is used by young artists. Each summer, the artists at Domagkateliers host Domagk Days, a forum for these and other artists to present their innovative work.
Domagkstrasse 33, Munich
Tel: 089 32186814

Munich Art Galleries

The independent gallery scene is alive and well in Munich. Be sure to check each gallery’s website before you visit for a list of current shows and hours. Many of the websites are entirely in German, but they will give visitors a good idea of what type of art to expect at each location. These galleries are also a great place for art collectors to purchase a piece to add to their collections.

Galerie Karin Sachs
Buttermelcherstrasse 16, Munich
Tel: 089 2011250

Galerie Tanit
Maximilianstrasse 45, Munich
Tel: 089 292233

Maximiliansforum
Experience fine art while riding the subway! Indeed, the 800 square meters between Maximilianstraße and Altstadtring has been a forum for modern art since 1973 — and it’s open 24/7.

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com