The highlight of Munich’s art district is Germany’s largest modern art museum, which presents a dynamic set of architecture, design and modern art exhibitions.
The Pinakothek der Moderne was designed by German architect Stephan Braunfels and opened in 2002. Its concrete exterior is interspersed with columns and large glass panels, giving it a stark and modern appearance. Four separate sections are dedicated to Art, Architecture, Design and Graphic Art, and these are all connected by a central domed rotunda that provides an entrance for visitors. Painstaking attention has been given to design and presentation, including a remarkable use of lighting across the various exhibits.
Permanent exhibits include the extensive Modern Art Collection on the upper level and the New Collection on the lower level. Don’t miss the Modern Art Collection, which includes work from all the major modern art movements and from luminary artists, such as Max Beckmann, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. The architecture section, meanwhile, holds Germany’s largest special architecture collection. Highlights include original mock-ups and sketches from some of the world’s biggest names in modern architecture.
Make sure to stop and see the state collection of graphic art, which boasts hundreds of thousands of prints and drawings. The design collection also holds a fascinating permanent collection, which includes exhibits on the roots of modern furniture design, computer culture and the development of vehicle design.
The Pinakothek der Moderne is situated near the Alte Pinakothek and the Neue Pinakothek. You can easily spend an entire day visiting the three museums. Come early on Sundays to dodge the crowds and take advantage of discounted entrance to the Pinakothek der Moderne. Whenever you visit, make sure to listen to the multimedia guide, which is available in German or English.
The museum is open every day except Monday. There is metered parking around the Pinakothek der Moderne, but spaces fill fast. The Pinakothek der Moderne has direct stops for buses and streetcars.
