Munich’s museums are world-renowned for their breadth, depth, and cultural value. Whether you’re an art lover, science geek, or car enthusiast, this Bavarian capital has a museum to match your interests.

The 11 Best Museums in Munich

Pinakothek der Moderne

As one of Europe’s largest modern art museums, the Pinakothek der Moderne combines four museums in one: modern art, graphic arts, architecture, and design. Its contemporary collection includes work by Pablo Picasso, Gerhard Richter, and the Bauhaus movement. The space is vast, minimal, and thoughtfully curated.

• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–18:00, Thu until 20:00; Closed Mondays
• Address: Barerstr. 40 80333

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is the largest museum of science and technology in the world. It’s packed with hands-on exhibits for all ages, including reconstructed coal mines, functioning machinery, and aircraft suspended from the ceiling. Topics range from astronomy and chemistry to nanotechnology and robotics.

• Hours: Daily: 9:00–17:00
• Address: Museumsinsel 1 80538

Neue Pinakothek

This museum specializes in 19th-century art and bridges the gap between classical art and modernism. It features works by Romantic, Impressionist, and early Modernist painters such as Caspar David Friedrich, Van Gogh, and Monet. Although it’s currently closed for renovations, selected masterpieces are on display in the Alte Pinakothek.

• Hours: Temporarily closed for renovations until 2030
• Address: Barerstr. 29 80799

Alte Pinakothek

The Alte Pinakothek is a must-see for fans of European painting. One of the oldest galleries in the world, its collection spans from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. You’ll find stunning works by German masters like Albrecht Dürer and international legends such as Raphael, Rubens, and Titian. The building itself, designed in the 19th century, was pioneering for its time and still feels elegant today.

• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–18:00, Wed until 20:00; Closed Mondays
• Address: Barerstr. 27 80333

Bier- und Oktoberfestmuseum (Beer and Oktoberfest Museum)

Tucked into a 14th-century townhouse, this museum showcases the long history of beer in Bavaria and the global fame of Oktoberfest. It’s small but atmospheric — and yes, there’s a beer tasting option.

• Hours: Wed–Sat: 13:00–17:00; Closed Sun–Tue
• Address: Sterneckerstr. 2 80331

Museum Brandhorst

This strikingly colorful museum is Munich’s home for contemporary art. With major works by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst, it offers a unique counterpoint to the city’s more classical collections. The building’s exterior, made up of over 36,000 ceramic rods, is an artwork in itself.

• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–18:00, Thu until 20:00; Closed Mondays
• Address: Theresienstr. 35a 80333

Lenbachhaus

The Lenbachhaus is best known for housing the world’s largest collection of works by the Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) group, featuring artists like Franz Marc, Gabriele Münter, and Wassily Kandinsky. Housed in the former villa of painter Franz von Lenbach, it blends 19th-century charm with modern architecture and offers rotating exhibitions.

• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–18:00, Thu until 20:00; Closed Mondays
• Address: Luisenstr. 33 80333

BMW Museum

Located next to the iconic BMW Welt and factory, this museum is a sleek and interactive space that tells the story of BMW’s innovations in engineering and design. From historic models and motorcycles to futuristic concept cars, this museum is a visual treat for car lovers.

• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–18:00; Closed Mondays
• Address: Am Olympiapark 2 80809

Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum)

One of the most important museums of cultural history in Europe, this museum covers everything from Gothic sculpture to Baroque furniture, Bavarian folklore, armor, religious art, and more. Especially magical during the holidays with its extensive nativity scene collection.

• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–17:00, Thu until 20:00; Closed Mondays
• Address: Prinzregentenstr. 3 80538

Glyptothek

Germany’s oldest public museum dedicated exclusively to ancient sculpture. Built by King Ludwig I, it houses Greek and Roman statues, including the Barberini Faun and the Aegina marbles. The neoclassical building alone is worth a visit.

• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–17:00; Closed Mondays
• Address: Königsplatz 3 80333

Haus der Kunst

A major contemporary art exhibition space with no permanent collection, Haus der Kunst is known for its large-scale installations and thought-provoking exhibits. It also features music events, discussions, and a stylish café.

• Hours: Mon–Sun: 10:00–20:00
• Address: Prinzregentenstr. 1 80538

Are There Any Free Museums in Munich?

Yes — there are a few museums in Munich that are completely free, either permanently or on specific days.

NS-Dokumentationszentrum München

Also known as the Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism. It’s a stark and important museum detailing Munich’s role in the rise of the Nazi party, with a focus on how democratic societies can prevent such ideologies today.

• Address: Max-Mannheimer-Platz 1 80333
• Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00–19:00; Closed Mondays

Kunstarkaden – Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Art

A small but engaging space for rotating exhibitions from local and international contemporary artists. Often overlooked, but worth a stop for art lovers.

• Address: Sparkassenstr. 3 80331
• Hours: Tue–Sat: 13:00–19:00; Closed Sundays & Mondays

Valentin-Karlstadt-Musäum – Entry by Donation

While not technically “free,” this quirky museum suggests a donation rather than a fixed fee. It explores the life and humor of Munich comedian Karl Valentin.

• Address: Tal 50 80331

Free or Discounted Museum Options

• Every Sunday: Many state-run museums (such as the Alte Pinakothek, Museum Brandhorst, and Lenbachhaus) offer €1 entry.
• First Sundays of the month: Some additional museums join in with special programming or reduced rates.
• Children and students: Often receive free or heavily discounted entry—check each museum’s policy.
• Special events: During the “Long Night of Museums” (Lange Nacht der Museen), usually held in October, one ticket gives you access to dozens of museums until late at night.