Alte Pinakothek

The Alte Pinakothek in Munich is one of the world's great art museums, home to European Old Master paintings from the Middle Ages to the Rococo. In the city's museum quarter, the Kunstareal, you can stand in front of works by Dürer, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt and the largest permanently displayed Rubens collection anywhere. It is an essential stop for art lovers, and on Sundays admission costs just one euro.

History of the Museum

King Ludwig I of Bavaria commissioned architect Leo von Klenze to build a public home for the Wittelsbach family's paintings. Construction began in 1826, and the museum opened on October 16, 1836, making it one of the oldest public picture galleries in the world. At the time, around 2,000 paintings hung on its walls. The name comes from the Greek word for a picture gallery; "Alte" (old) was added after the Neue Pinakothek opened across the street in 1853 to show contemporary art.

Bombs heavily damaged the central section in 1943 and 1944, though the paintings had been moved to safety. During reconstruction from 1952 to 1957, architect Hans Döllgast deliberately left the war damage visible: he filled the gap in the south facade with plain brick rather than recreating the original. Walk around to the south side to see this striking reminder of Germany's 20th-century history.

What to See

More than 700 paintings are on permanent display in 19 halls and 47 smaller cabinets. Highlights include:

• Albrecht Dürer's Self-Portrait (1500), the famous frontal portrait in a fur-trimmed coat.
• Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Carnation (c. 1475).
• Raphael's Canigiani Holy Family (c. 1505/06).
• Botticelli's Lamentation of Christ (c. 1490/95).
• Rembrandt's youthful Self-Portrait (1629).
• Peter Paul Rubens: 72 works, including the monumental Great Last Judgment, the largest painting in the museum. Klenze designed the central Rubens hall tall enough to hold this roughly six-meter (20 ft) altarpiece.

Because the neighboring Neue Pinakothek is closed for renovation until about 2029, a selection of 19th-century masterpieces is shown on the Alte Pinakothek's ground floor.

Tickets and Opening Hours

As of October 2026:

• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday until 8 p.m.; closed Mondays.
• Admission: €9, reduced €6, under 18 free.
• Sundays: just €1.
• Combination ticket: €12 (at the ticket desk only).

Special exhibitions may cost extra, and the museum occasionally closes for construction work, so check the website before you go. The building is fully accessible, with step-free entry, four elevators serving all galleries, accessible restrooms and loaner wheelchairs. There is a cafe inside for a break between galleries.

How to Get There

The museum is at Barer Straße 27, with the entrance on Theresienstraße. Tram 27 stops right by the museum, and the U2 subway station Theresienstraße is a short walk away. From Munich Hauptbahnhof (central station), the walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes. From Munich Airport, take the S1 or S8 into the city. A Deutschlandticket covers all local transport.

Is It Worth Visiting?

If you enjoy painting, absolutely: allow two to three hours. Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening to avoid the Sunday crowds. Nearby, the Pinakothek der Moderne, Museum Brandhorst and the Glyptothek round out the Kunstareal, while a 20-minute walk via Odeonsplatz brings you to the Munich Residenz, with the Frauenkirche and Viktualienmarkt just beyond.