What are Munich’s best museums?
Munich has so much more to offer than Oktoberfest, beer gardens, and hearty food. The Bavarian capital is also a paradise for culture and history ethusiasts. Thanks to its many museums, there is plenty to discover. With so many options, it's hard to know where to start. No problem! We'll tell you which museums you shouldn't miss. From history to art to technology, there's something for everyone.
Read on to learn about some of the most interesting museums in Munich.
Off to the museum: our top nine
To make your decision easier, we've put together a selection and are happy to tell you the best way to get there from the Platzl Hotel.
Alte Pinakothek
The Alte Pinakothek is an absolute must for anyone interested in European painting from the 14th to the 18th century. It is one of the most important art galleries in Europe and houses over 700 paintings. You will find numerous masterpieces by Dürer and Rubens, to name a few.
Distance from the Platzl Hotel: 26 minutes on foot | 15 minutes by car or taxi | 25 minutes by public transport
Pinakothek der Moderne
If you are interested in modern art as well, we also recommend visiting the Pinakothek der Moderne, which is located next to the Alte Pinakothek. The Pinakothek der Moderne is much more than just a museum – it's actually four museums: art, graphic art, architecture, and design. You can visit all four with just one ticket. Experience the diversity of the museums, or take part in one of the events.
Distance from the Platzl Hotel: 27 minutes on foot | 11 minutes by car or taxi | 21 minutes by public transport
Museum Brandhorst
Munich is a city for art lovers. The Museum Brandhorst is another place you shouldn't miss. Here, everything revolves around modern art, and the highlights include extensive collections of works by Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly.
Distance to the Platzl Hotel: 22 minutes on foot | 9 minutes by car or taxi | 17 minutes by public transport
Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum is one of the most famous and best museums in Munich. Here, you will find exciting exhibitions on science and technology. The hands-on science museum is ideal for families with children. You can also take part in one of the many workshops offered by the museum, if you wish.
Distance to the Platzl Hotel: 14 minutes on foot | 5 minutes by car or taxi | 12 minutes by public transportation
BMW Museum
When on holiday in Munich, it's virtually impossible to avoid BMW. If you're interested in cars, a visit to the BMW Museum is an absolute must. Learn about the company's history and explore interactive exhibitions and 125 exhibits, including cars, motorcycles, and engines.
At BMW Welt, explore the latest BMW Motorrad, MINI, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars models and discover exciting BMW-related topics.
Distance to the Platzl Hotel: 22 minutes by car/taxi | 25 minutes by public transportation
Bavarian National Museum
If you're interested in Munich's history or art and cultural history, we recommend visiting the Bavarian National Museum. The magnificent building houses a fascinating collection of sculptures, furniture, ceramics, and handcrafted treasures from many eras, and is a real eye-opener. It's no wonder that it is one of Munich's most popular historical museums.
Distance from the Platzl Hotel: 19 minutes on foot | 8 minutes by car or taxi | 18 minutes by public transportation
Museum of Five Continents
You may not have the Museum of Five Continents on your radar. Here, you can expect an exciting glimpse beyond Europe's borders. The exhibitions and exhibits focus on art and culture from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and parts of Europe. With over 160,000 objects and 135,000 photographs, the collection is one of the most important ethnological collections in the world.
Take a trip around the world without leaving Munich!
Distance from the Platzl Hotel: 9 minutes on foot | 6 minutes by car or taxi
Lenbachhaus
Want to see more art? Then we recommend the Lenbachhaus, one the best Munich art museums. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and has a lot to offer. It is famous for its extensive collection of works by the art group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider). Highlights include paintings by Kandinsky, Marc, and Münter. The museum also offers rotating exhibitions. If you need a break, enjoy a coffee in the museum café and take in the beautiful museum garden.
Distance to the Platzl Hotel: 23 minutes on foot | 11 minutes by car or taxi | 16 minutes by public transportation
MUCA – Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art
Our final recommendation is an insider tip for anyone interested in street art and modern forms of expression. MUCA is Germany's first museum of urban and contemporary art, attracting visitors from all over the world. Located in a former substation with an adjacent bunker, the museum has a unique atmosphere. At MUCA, you can view works by Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and many other international artists in a historic building with an urban vibe.
Distance to the Platzl Hotel: 11 minutes on foot or by car/taxi
Ihr Hotel für einen Museumstag in München
With such a huge selection, one thing is clear: Munich is perfect for a day - or better yet, several days - of museums. All you need now is the right hotel. From the Platzl Hotel in Munich's Old town, almost all of the aforementioned museums are within walking distance, making it the ideal place to stay. Three more reasons that clearly speak in favour of the Platzl Hotel are the rooms' attention to detail, the first-class cuisine, and the location in the heart of the old town.
