The Alte Pinakothek is one of Europe’s largest museums of ancient art. Would you like to visit this Munich Museum? In my article, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your visit.
The Alte Pinakothek: a museum that takes you on a timeless journey
The Alte Pinakothek is much more than just a museum. It’s a veritable time machine, opening the door for centuries of European art.
Over 800 works from the Middle Ages to the 18th century are brought together under one roof.
Strolling through the corridors of this imposing building, you can’t help but marvel at the richness and diversity of the collections.
From Flemish paintings to Italian works and Renaissance masterpieces, the Alte Pinakothek offers a panoramic view of art history like no other.
If you love the arts and you’re visiting Munich, this is a must-see destination!
Highlights of a visit to the Alte Pinakothek
- A very large collection of early European works of art.
- The presence of works by great masters such as Rubens, Rembrandt and Dürer.
- The building’s architecture is almost as impressive as the works it houses.
- The quality of the information provided on each work.
- The opportunity to take part in highly instructive guided tours.
Disadvantages of a visit to the Alte Pinakothek
- English signage for international visitors is sometimes lacking.
- Alarms that sound when visitors get too close to the paintings (and this happens all the time!).
What can you see at the Alte Pinakothek?
At the Alte Pinakothek, admire works by renowned artists such as Albrecht Dürer, with his famous “Self-portrait with glove”, or Rubens and his series of epic paintings.
Fans of the Italian Renaissance will be delighted to discover the works of Titian and Botticelli, while lovers of Flemish art appreciate the canvases of Van Dyck and Bruegel the Elder.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum offers regular temporary exhibitions and guided tours.
How much does admission to the Alte Pinakothek cost?
Admission to the Alte Pinakothek is €7 for adults and €5 for children.
A good idea is to schedule your visit on a Sunday. On that day, the visit is only €1!
If you plan to visit several of Munich’s museums (Pinakothek der Moderne, Museum Brandhorst and Sammlung Schack), a €12 ticket allows you to see them all.
How long does a visit to the Alte Pinakothek last?
For most visitors, a complete visit to the Alte Pinakothek takes between 2 and 3 hours on average.
Of course, if you’re a great art lover capable of spending 10 minutes in front of a painting, the visit will be much longer.
Where is the Alte Pinakothek located?
The Alte Pinakothek is in Munich’s art district, the Kunstareal.
The exact address is Barer Str. 27, 80333 München.
How to get to the Alte Pinakothek?
If you’re driving, you can use a GPS to guide you to the museum. Parking lots are nearby.
But as tourists, it’s often more convenient to get around the big cities by public transport. Munich has an excellent public transport network. You can take streetcar line 27 or bus line 100 and get off at the Pinakotheken stop.
What are the opening hours of the Alte Pinakothek?
Opening hours of the Alte Pinakothek are:
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Opinions on the Alte Pinakothek: is it a good visit?
Before I visited the city, when people talked to me about Munich, I thought of beer, pretzels and soccer. However, the city has much more to offer, and the Alte Pinakothek is living proof.
The neo-renaissance architecture gives the impression of stepping back in time, a sensation that intensified as I began to explore the galleries. Each room was like a page from a history book, describing the evolution of European art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
I was particularly impressed by the collection of Rubens’s paintings. I remember standing in awe of “The Judgment of Paris,” marveling at the brilliance of the colors and the turmoil depicted in the scene.
The other rooms didn’t disappoint either. The Rembrandt collection is breathtaking, and I was able to see his famous “Self-Portrait” from 1640.
The museum is vast. Plan a visit when you’re in shape. It can quickly become tiring, especially as there are few places to rest.
What else can you do near the Alte Pinakothek?
After exploring the Alte Pinakothek, Munich still has a lot to offer. Here are a few suggestions for further visits:
- The Neues Museum: home to art from the 19th century to the present day.
- The Egyptian Museum in Munich.
- The Hofbräuhaus brewery for a taste of Bavaria’s famous beer.
- The Munich Residence: an impressive complex of buildings that was home to the dukes, electors and kings of Bavaria.
- The historic Altstadt-Lehel district.
- Deutsches Museum: the world’s largest museum of science and technology.
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
