10 Best Museums in Munich

The Deutsches Museum boasts an incredible collection of 28,000 objects and exciting exhibitions showcasing the wonders of science and technology. The largest museum of its kind in Germany, it has 4 separate locations, with the main building on Museumsinsel (Museum Island) in the Isar River in Munich.

Since its founding in 1903, the Deutsches Museum has continued expanding its offerings, attracting 1.5 million visitors annually. Fascinating displays highlight a range of subjects, from chemistry to musical instruments, space travel and robotics. Whether tracing the development of fabrics in the Middle Ages, seeing planes in the aviation hall or learning about the human body, there is much to experience, including dining at the rooftop restaurant.

The BMW Museum honors the luxurious German automotive brand with a stellar display of vehicles and history that spans more than 100 years. Located near Olympiapark in Munich, right next to the BMW factory and BMW Welt experience, this cultural attraction is a automobile lover’s dream.

The permanent collection features 7 exhibition houses, each with a theme, including the House of Design, House of the Company, House of Motorsport and House of the Series, among others. Another highlight is the BMW Art Automobile Collection featuring one-of-a-kind 'rolling masterpieces' by artists such as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.

The Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) is among Europe's largest royal palaces and has much to take in, from the ornate design and architecture to luxurious rooms and an adjacent park. It has the distinction of being one of the most popular sites in Munich, and you can head to the western district of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg to see this grand structure and learn about its storied history.

A visit to the Nymphenburg Palace offers a glimpse into the powerful Wittelsbach dynasty and German history. The Great Hall, decorated under Electro Max Emanuel, boasts a ceiling painting depicting an Olympian heaven, while Queen Caroline’s Bedroom features 19th-century furnishings. The Palace Chapel, the royal stables and gardens are other must-sees.

Munich Residenz (Residenz München), the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach royal family, is of great architectural and historical significance. Set in central Munich, this former seat of the Bavarian monarchy is enchanting and features several design styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical.

When visiting Munich Residenze, plan to spend several hours exploring the rooms, art, grounds and royal collections throughout the expansive complex. Along with Hercules Hall and All Saints’ Court Church, you'll want to peek inside the royal apartment of Bavarian King Ludwig I. The grand ambience extends outside to the Hofgarten park area and Max-Joseph Platz.

The Antike am Königsplatz invites visitors to immerse themselves in ancient civilizations among an impressive collection of antiquities. Located in the Kunstareal arts district is the Staatliche Antikensammlungen (State Collection of Antiquities), which houses Bavaria’s antique collections hailing from Rome, Greece and Etruria, and the Glyptothek, another museum featuring Greek and Roman sculptures.

The classical antiquity works across the Antike am Königsplatz stem from Bavarian King Ludwig I’s admiration for exquisite objects. During his reign as the crown prince, he enthusiastically grew his holdings. Today, you can see a range of these classic objects and art, including pottery, terracotta, metalwork and jewelry.

The Alte Pinakothek, which translates to 'old art gallery', is home to an impressive collection of more than 700 works spanning the 14th to 18th centuries. Housing what is considered one of the most important art collections in the world, the museum is located in the Kunstareal district of Munich.

Originally commissioned by King Ludwig I to provide the general public access to his collection, the Alte Pinakothek has grown its holdings over the years. Exhibitions show an evolution of art from the Middle Ages to the late Rococo period. Among the treasures, you’ll see works by German artist Albrecht Dürer as well as Peter Paul Rubens, Raphael Titian and other celebrated masters.

The Pinakothek der Moderne focuses on showcasing 4 art disciplines under 1 roof. Located in the Kunstareal district of central Munich, the museum centres on works on paper, architecture and design. The museum, one of the largest devoted to modern and contemporary art, has 20,000 original works in its collection.

Visionary and unique, the Pinakothek der Moderne presents exciting exhibitions and cultural events. Among the acclaimed artists featured here are Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Dan Flavin and Pipilotti Rist. Walking through the galleries, you’ll see a strong representation of a range of avant-garde movements, including Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism and Pop Art.

The FC Bayern Museum pays tribute to the championship soccer club of Munich with a dazzling display of sports history, emotional moments and memorabilia. Located 8.5 miles north of the city centre in Allianz Arena, where FC Bayern plays, the FC Bayern Museum offers a memorable experience for sports fans.

At the FC Bayern Museum, you'll learn about the German champions from their early beginnings to recent triumphs. Among the highlights here is Via Triumphalis featuring a collection of trophies. Historic memorabilia includes 2 original pub newsletters and postcards from the early 20th century. There’s also Treble Corner highlighting the 2013 record year, the Hall of Fame honoring brilliant footballers and the chance to see the arena up close.

The Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleissheim delves into the history of flight and aviation with exciting aviation exhibits. Set just outside Munich in the town of Oberschleißheim, the museum boasts more than 70 flying objects across its 2 halls.

Ever since the Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleissheim opened its doors in 1992, the cultural organization has captivated visitors with its air and space travel exhibits. Whether it’s a historical wooden aircraft or a modern fighter jet, there is much to see and experience. You'll also have a chance to see a glass-enclosed restoration workshop and planes from the Royal Bavarian Aviation Battalion.

The Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum shines a spotlight on the different modes of transportation over the years. Set in Bavariapark in the Westend district, this popular attraction features 12,000 square meters of exhibition space where you can see all modes of transportation, from early bicycles to one-of-a-kind automobiles and railroad carriages.

Boasting over 250 themed exhibitions across 3 halls, the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum is a fascinating place. The industry of transportation is explored through the primary neighborhoods of mobility and technology, city transportation and travel. You’ll see everything from VW Beetles to a Mitropa train dining automobile and the Benz Patent Motor Automobile.