Known collectively as the Kunstareal Mnchen, the ‘Munich art district’ makes the entire spectrum of over two thousand years of Western art tangible to visitors. Together with the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek form a unique museum complex that comprises artworks from the late Middle Ages up to the present day. In their direct vicinity are also Museum Brandhorst, the Glyptothek and the Antikensammlungen.

In a unique concentration of artworks, the Alte Pinakothek presents the development of art from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and the Baroque up to the end of the Rococo period. The collection comprises more than 700 artworks from the glittering epochs of German, Flemish, Netherlandish, French, Italian and Spanish painting. Leo von Klenze’s neoclassical building (completed in 1836), which proved so groundbreaking for European museum architecture at the time, provides the setting for this treasure trove of occidental art.

‘From Goya to Picasso’ is the guiding motto for the Neue Pinakothek’s collection. In the mid-19th century, King Ludwig I founded the Neue Pinakothek as the first public museum in Europe, exclusively dedicated to contemporary art. Included in the collection are key works from the neoclassicist and Romantic periods, art noveau and Impressionism, the Nazarene brotherhood and Deutschrmer or ‘German Roman’ artists, as well as major pioneers of modernism. After its destruction in the Second World War, the architect Alexander von Branca designed the building that houses the collection today, which opened ist doors in 1981.

With four major museums under one roof, the Pinakothek der Moderne is one of the largest buildings in the world to house the art, architecture and design of the 20th and 21st century. The spacious building’s architecture, centred around a glass rotunda, entices visitors to make their own discoveries and form links between the works on display and gain new, surprising insights into the art. Special exhibitions and events from various cultural spheres complete the Pinakothek der Moderne’s interdisciplinary ambit.

With around 180 paintings by German artists, including Bcklin, Lenbach, Spitzweg and Feuerbach, the Sammlung Schack ranks as one of the most important museums dedicated to 19th century German painting. Founded by Adolf Friedrich von Schack (1815C1894), it has remained unaltered in its composition since his death. The Sammlung Schack is thus not only a unique museum of post-Romantic art, but an important testimony to art collecting in Germany.

Museum Brandhorst is distinguished by its spectacular architecture and two major bodies of works by Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly, as well as containing many other works by such artists as Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, Mike Kelley, Bruce Nauman and Damien Hirst.