Munich's Kunstareal (Art Quarter) in Maxvorstadt contains three world-class art museums within walking distance: the Alte Pinakothek (European masters from the 14th–18th centuries), the Neue Pinakothek (19th-century art), and the Pinakothek der Moderne (20th-21st-century art and design). Together they hold one of Europe's most important art collections including works by Dürer, Rubens, Raphael, and Picasso.
Munich's Kunstareal in the Maxvorstadt district gathers three major museums within a few minutes' walk of one another, forming one of Europe's densest concentrations of art. The Alte Pinakothek houses European Old Masters from the 14th to 18th centuries, including Dürer's self-portrait and an extensive Rubens collection, displayed in a grand 19th-century building of long enfilade galleries. The Neue Pinakothek's 19th-century collection is currently closed for renovation with highlights on rotating display elsewhere, while the Pinakothek der Moderne occupies a stark, top-lit modern building covering 20th- and 21st-century painting, design, graphics, and architecture, including a free-to-enter ground-floor design collection. A focused visit to one museum takes 2-3 hours; seeing all three in a single day requires a full day and a fast pace, and most visitors prioritise one or two. The quarter is at its busiest on Sunday afternoons, when reduced €1 admission draws large crowds, so arriving at opening time on a Sunday, or visiting on a weekday, gives a calmer experience of the same collections. The plaza and surrounding streets between the museums also host smaller galleries and university buildings worth a passing look.
| Admission | Adult €7 each; €12 combined · Child Free under 18 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM; Thu until 8PM |
| Address | Barer Straße 27, 80333 München |
Good to know
- Best for
- art lovers, culture, rainy days, education
Location
Barer Straße 27, 80333 München
48.1492, 11.5694 View on map
Highlights
- Alte Pinakothek's Dürer, Rubens, and Raphael masterpieces
- Pinakothek der Moderne's 20th-21st century art and design
- Free ground-floor design collection at the Pinakothek der Moderne
- €1 admission to each museum on Sundays
- Three major museums within a short walk in Maxvorstadt
Tips for visiting
- On Sundays, each museum charges just €1 — the best-value art day in Germany
- Start with the Alte Pinakothek for Dürer's self-portrait and Rubens' collection
- The Pinakothek der Moderne's design collection on the ground floor is free to enter
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest galleries; Sunday afternoons are the most crowded due to €1 reduced admission.
Accessibility
All three museums are wheelchair accessible with elevators between floors, and accessible restrooms are available on-site.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Pinakotheken take?
Each museum takes 2-3 hours on its own; covering all three in one day is possible but demands a full day and a brisk pace.
Is the museum quarter worth it for kids?
The Alte Pinakothek's Old Masters suit older children studying art or history, while the Pinakothek der Moderne's design galleries tend to engage a wider age range.
Is photography allowed inside the museums?
Non-flash photography is generally permitted in the permanent collections, though special exhibitions often prohibit it.
Which museum should visitors prioritise if short on time?
The Alte Pinakothek is the strongest single choice for its Old Master collection, while art-and-design enthusiasts often prefer the Pinakothek der Moderne.