The best art spaces to visit in Munich

Munich offers aficionados a wide variety of art. The capital of the southern German state of Bavaria is famous not only for its grand museums packed with old masterpieces, but also for contemporary works by world-renowned artists. There is Icelandic-Danish talent Olafur Eliasson, whose large-scale works lend a whimsical charm to the cityscape, as well as internationally-renowned French street artist Invader, who has just recently “invaded” Munich’s walls with his signature graphic mosaics. Whether you’d like a dose of Baroque portraits or street art featuring eye-catching pixels, there is something in Munich for every age group and preference.

Here are our top picks for where to get your art fix in Munich.

20th century masterpieces at Pinakothek der Moderne

If you’re looking to admire modern art, the Pinakothek der Moderne is one of the largest and most important museums dedicated to it. Its collection encompasses paintings, design, graphic design and architecture. Housed in a building by Stephan Braunfels Architects, the 12,000sqm space with a stunning glass dome offers visitors art and design covering the 20th and 21st centuries, with exhibits by icons such as Picasso, Warhol and Le Corbusier. 

Ever-changing inspiration at Haus der Kunst

Opened in 1937, the neoclassical building of the Haus der Kunst looks like it should be home to a huge, permanent collection of art, but in fact, houses a constantly evolving roster of exhibitions. Featuring artists from around the world, contemporary art in the form of photography, film and other media allow a new perspective at each visit. This summer, exhibitions include “Trace – Formations of Likeness“ in collaboration of the Walther Collection in NYC, on until 23 July, and the interactive exhibition “Katalin Ladik: Ooooooooo-pus”, through 10 September 2023.

Take a rest from retail at Kunsthalle Munich

If shopping isn’t your cup of tea, you can pop into Kunsthalle Munich, which is situated in the heart of old Munich at the shopping complex Fünf Höfe. This exhibition space is another venue without a permanent exhibition. The current show, on until 27 August, focuses on “Flowers Forever”, and features a vast array of works, from a pre-Raphaelite Venus Verticordia painting by Dante Gabriel Rosetti to contemporary interpretations of flowers and many intriguing installations.

Public art installations for your Instagram

In Munich, art spills into the streets. Look for the voluptuous installation, quirkily titled Mae West, by Rita McBride in the middle of the Effnerplatsz square. The carbon sculpture is so large that trams drive under and through it. A staircase leading nowhere by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson hides within the courtyard of the KPMG office building, while his Sphere can be found in the Fünf Höfe shopping mall by the Kunsthalle venue. Along the main Munich artery, the grand boulevard Leopoldstrasse in the old town, you can’t miss the gigantic Walking Man, standing 17m high, by American artist Jonathan Borofsky.

Look for Invader’s pixel mosaics

On the non-traditional side, Parisian street artist Invader has recently “invaded” Munich, adding his distinctive mosaics onto street corners and walls around the city. Part of the thrill is to find these works of art yourself. Look for clues of the locations on Instagram from posts by the anonymous Invader himself, or by searching for the hashtag #invaderwashere. You can even keep score with the artist’s official game FlashInvaders, available for free on both the Apple store and Google store. Compete with thousands of people by “zapping” the little mosaics whenever you come find them across 83 cities around the world. Part treasure hunt, part art and 100% good family fun.

Learn all about German art at the Bavarian National Museum

Just to remind you that Munich is the capital of the state of Bavaria, there is the National Museum of Bavaria, located in a stunning and historic building near the Isar river. Get your dose of history along with art at this vast museum that is one of the largest in Germany. Filled with Bavarian art in all its forms, exhibits will lend further insight into the state’s history. With displays ranging from ceramics to paintings, religious works to opalescent glass by Rene Lalique, the eclectic and substantial collection covers epochs such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau and everything in between.  

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