Museum Brandhorst, Munich: Practical guide [with prices, hours & visitor tips]

Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features of the Museum Brandhorst

The Museum Brandhorst is a major public art museum in Munich, Germany, dedicated primarily to contemporary art, particularly focusing on late 20th and 21st-century works. The museum opened in 2009 and houses the private collection of Udo and Anette Brandhorst, who donated their immense holdings to the Bavarian state. The collection emphasizes art from the 1960s onward and includes highly significant pieces from key post-war art movements.

Visitors can expect an architecturally striking experience. The building, designed by Sauerbruch Hutton, features a vibrant, multi-coloured façade composed of ceramic louvres. The interior is characterized by a central staircase and three distinct floors of exhibition space, each tailored to different types of art. The museum holds the largest collection of works by Andy Warhol outside the United States (the biggest is at the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).

This Munich contemporary art museum also possesses a crucial, in-depth collection of works by Cy Twombly, including the monumental Lepanto cycle. The museum is a focal point for modern American art and is located in the Kunstareal (Art District), positioning it alongside other major Munich art institutions.

Planning your visit to the Museum Brandhorst: opening hours and access

The museum is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections and maintains consistent opening times throughout the week.

• General operating hours: Open daily (except Mondays) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Extended hours (Thursday): The museum extends its hours on Thursdays, remaining open until 8:00 p.m.
• Closures: The museum closes every Monday. It also observes closures on certain public holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
• Recommended time: Allow approximately two hours to explore the permanent collection and any temporary exhibitions thoroughly.

Museum Brandhorst admission fees and tickets

Standard admission is moderately priced, with a significant discount offered on Sundays.

Combined ticket: The Pinakotheken Ticket offers access to the Museum Brandhorst and all other Pinakotheken museums (Alte, Neue, Moderne) within the Art District for a single price, €12.00.

Accessibility, facilities, and amenities

As a modern building, the Museum Brandhorst offers excellent accessibility features.

• Accessibility: The entire museum, including all exhibition floors, is fully wheelchair accessible via lifts. Accessible toilets are available on all levels.
• Parking: Dedicated underground parking is available for the Kunstareal, with fees applying. Public transport (U-Bahn and Tram) offers the easiest access to the area.
• Café and Shop: The museum includes a café for light refreshments and a museum shop offering art books, posters, and design items.
• Coat check: Visitors must check large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas in the cloakroom or lockers on the ground floor.

Nearby attractions to the Museum Brandhorst

The museum sits centrally in the Kunstareal (Art District), surrounded by Munich’s other major galleries:

• Pinakothek der Moderne: Located directly opposite, this museum houses four major collections: modern and contemporary art, architecture, design, and works on paper.
• Alte Pinakothek: Located nearby, this gallery focuses on European Old Master paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries.
• Neue Pinakothek: Focuses on 19th-century art, including major works by Romantic, Impressionist, and early Modern artists.
• Lenbachhaus: Situated within walking distance, this gallery specializes in works by the Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) group, including Wassily Kandinsky.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Museum Brandhorst