Munich is home to over 80 museums ranging in topics from art to science and technology to alpine history.
With so many options to choose from, how do you decide which are the best?
Look no further, because here are the 6 best museums in Munich!
Table of Contents
1. Munich Residenz
What this museum is about: Grandiose former home of Bavaria’s rulers
A bit more info: The Wittelsbach dynasty ruled Bavaria for over 700 years. From the 1300s, their main palace and seat of power was here, at the Munich Residenz.
The building you see today, though largely reconstructed after suffering heavy damage during World War II, dates from the 16th century onwards.
Of its 90 rooms, the most interesting are the Antiquarium, the Grotto, and the Court Chapel. The remaining rooms are an architectural journey through Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism.
Next to the Residenz is the Treasury, which among other things houses the Bavarian crown jewels, and the Cuvilliés Theatre, an ornate court theater.
Why I recommend it: It’s a beautiful palace – and the largest urban palace in Germany.
Travel tips:
This place is massive. I would recommend 2-3 hours minimum here.
You can buy a combination ticket with the nearby Treasury (I consider this a must-see!) and Cuvilliés Theatre.
2. Alte Pinkothek
What this museum is about: Art gallery focusing on European art from the 14th to the 19th centuries
A bit more info:
One of the great art galleries of Europe, the Alte Pinakothek exhibits masterpieces from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Many works by Europe’s Old Masters can be found here – Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, Raphael, Velázquez, van Eyck, van Dyck, Titian, and others.
Among the priceless works of art in the collection is the Self-portrait by Albrecht Dürer. Dürer hailed from the Bavarian town of Nuremberg and was one of the most influential and important artists of the Northern Renaissance.
Why I recommend it: It’s one of the world’s top art galleries if you want to see the Old Masters.
Travel tips:
Bags, backpacks, and large coats are not allowed, but they have lockers and a cloak room where you can deposit your items.
€1 entrance fee on a Sunday. If you do choose to go on a Sunday, be aware that the museum is more crowded.
Can’t decide what to see at the Alte Pinakothek? Check out my picks for the 10 best paintings at the Alte Pinakothek!
3. Deutsches Museum
What this museum is about: Science and technology
A bit more info:
With its full name translating to “German Museum of Masterpieces of Science and Technology,” you might think that the world’s largest museum of science and technology wouldn’t have much to offer history lovers – and you’d be wrong.
Founded in 1903, the Deutsches Museum boasts a collection of 125,000 objects from 50 fields of science and technology – from aviation to chemistry to agriculture to astronomy and beyond. Nearly all the exhibitions contain a history element, so whether you want to learn about Ancient Roman engineering, see what instruments people of yesteryear played, or take a photo of historic cameras with your modern phone, the Deutsches Museum has you covered.
Why I recommend it: Science and history lovers alike will find something to enjoy at this museum.
If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll have a blast with all the interactive activities.
Travel tips:
This place is massive, so you really could spend the whole day here. For a shorter visit, focus on the area you’re most interested in seeing (e.g. airplanes, musical instruments, astronomy, the human body, etc.).
4. Schloss Nymphenburg
What this museum is about: It’s the former summer residence of Bavaria’s former rulers
A bit more info: Built as a gift from Elector Ferdinand Maria to his wife, Nymphenburg Palace was a summer retreat for the Wittelsbachs. Begun in 1664, construction continued over the next few centuries.
The palace houses the famous Gallery of Beauties, a collection of portraits of beautiful women commissioned by the womanizing King Ludwig I. It was also the birthplace of Bavaria’s most famous king, Ludwig II, known as Mad King Ludwig.
The extensive grounds of the palace include several retreats that are essentially mini-palaces. Also within the complex are two museums, the Martstallmuseum, featuring royal carriages and sleighs throughout the centuries, and the Porcelain Museum, with examples of works from the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory, which was established in 1747.
Why I recommend it: The Gallery of Beauties is a big hit. Also, fans of Mad King Ludwig won’t want to miss seeing the room where he was born.
Even if you don’t want to pay to go inside the palace, the grounds are free and make for a lovely walk.
Travel tips:
Large bags and coats won’t be allowed inside the palace, but they have a cloakroom where you can deposit these items.
The park palaces are only open during the warmer months. Also, if it’s a rainy day and you have an umbrella, you must leave your umbrella at the front before entering the palaces.
You can buy a combination ticket that also includes the Martstallmuseum, the Porcelain Manufactory, and the park palaces.
5. Bavarian National Museum
What this museum is about: European historical and folkloric art from a Bavarian perspective
A bit more info: There’s just so much to love about this museum, founded in 1855 by King Maximillian II.
It’s got an impressive collection of artworks from late Antiquity through the 20th century.
To add a sense of authenticity, the rooms are decorated per the time period of the objects they showcase. The medieval rooms have vaulted stone ceilings, the Renaissance rooms have timbered ceilings, the Rococo rooms have elegant paintings lining the walls, etc.
Among the highlights are:
- Medieval armor
- Death Riding a Lion
- 16th century wood models of major Bavarian towns
- Authentic historical clothing
- Meissen porcelain (yes, I watched too much Antiques Roadshow as a child)
- Historical furniture
- Historical musical instruments
- The most Nativity scenes I’ve ever seen
Why I recommend it: Why this museum isn’t better visited, I have no idea. Most of the time, I was the only person around.
This place is amazing. If you have even the slightest interest in European art or folk art, you’ll love it here.
Travel tips:
Entrance fee is €1 on Sunday.
This place is HUGE. To really do it justice, allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit.
Large bags and coats won’t be allowed inside the museum, but they have a cloakroom where you can deposit these items.
Also, getting the audio guide is highly recommended.
6. NS-Dokumentationszentrum
What this museum is about: History of Munich during WWII
A bit more info: Munich was the place where the Nazi Party was born. Dubbed “capital of the movement” by Hitler, many early Nazi events took place in the city, most notably the Beer Hall Putsch, the Nazis’ first attempt to seize power in 1923.
This museum goes through this entire history.
Why I recommend it: It’s a very informative museum, especially if you want to learn more about the role Munich played in the years leading up to World War II.
Travel tips:
Entrance is free.
Getting the audio guide is encouraged.
There you have it! Munich’s top museums. Looking for more great museums in Munich? Don’t forget to check out the 6 best hidden museums in Munich!
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