Bavarian National Museum is one of the largest museums of art and cultural history in Europe, with the emphasis on the exhibitions on objects from Bavaria and Southern Germany.
The museum was founded by Bavarian ruler Maksimilian II in 1855, and it has functioned out of the current, three-story building since 1900.
The museum’s permanent exhibition, on the main floor, provides an overview of the art and cultural history of Bavaria and Southern Germany, from Middle Ages to the current era.
PHOTO: The museum building, as seen from Prinzregentstrasse, one of the four royal avenues in Munich. Nearby, you’ll also be able to locate the famous art museum, Haus der Kunst (www.hausderkunst.de).
PHOTO: The museum building, designed in “Historism” architecture style by Gabriel von Seidl, and under construction from 1894-1900, is one of the most significant museum buildings of its period in the world.
PHOTO: Outside the museum, you’ll find the pictured equestrian statue of Prince-Regent Luitpold, a sculpture by Adolf von Hildebrand. Luitpold was personally present on the museum’s opening to the public, in 1900. There is another, similar equestrian statue of Luitpold within the facade of the Neue Rathaus building in Munich.
The museum collections include masterpieces from artists such as…
- Erasmus Grasser, Tilman Riemenschneider, Hans Leinberger,
- Adam Kraft, Giovanni Bologna, Hubert Gerhard,
- Adriaen de Vries, Johann Baptist Straub, Ferdinand Tietz,
- Simon Troger, and Ignaz Günther.
Of the individual artworks in the collection, especially famous is the “Seeoner Madonna” by Ludwig Schwanthaler.
On the main floor, you’ll also find the unique collection of nativity scenes, mostly from 17th – 19th century.
The museum’s upper floor, meanwhile, is dedicated to special collections, including…
- porcelain objects,
- ivory carvings,
- gold and silver artworks,
- decorative clocks,
- tapestries, and
- stained glass art.
The western wing of the museum has a “Bollert” exhibition, of late Medieval sculpture art.
Other notable sections of the museum include…
- exhibition of Bavarian royal court culture,
- musical instrument collection,
- oil paintings,
- miniature collection, and
- the world’s best collection of Nymphenburg porcelain figurines, by Franz Anton Bustelli, from 1723-63.
Apart from the exhibitions, the main floor also has a museum shop, selling museum publications, postcards, and memorabilia & gift items made of silver, porcelain, and glass.
Bavarian National Museum
Address: Prinzregentenstrasse 3, 80538 Munich, Germany
Official website: Bayerisches-NationalMuseum.de
To plan your visit to the museum, one of the best resources is the official website, at www.bayerisches-nationalmuseum.de.