Head Concierge Lena Speckmeyer is one of the few female concierges in the business and is a proud member of both the Die Goldenen Schlüssel Deutschland e.V. and Les Clefs D'Or.
My Favourites:
1. Museum Brandhorst
"It houses Europe's largest collection of Andy Warhol works."
2. Alte Pinakothek
"I keep coming back and discovering something new every time. The collection is incredible."
3. The Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus
"An eclectic house museum with a world-renowned collection of Blue Rider artwork."
4. nsdoku
"A confronting museum that examines the darker past of Munich and the city’s association with the Nazi party."
5. Graffiti tour
"Few people know that Munich was a pioneer in the graffiti scene and has amazing pieces across the city."
Highlights of the Kunstareal
Munich is home to incredible museums and galleries. Between Königsplatz and Theresienstraße is the Kunstareal, a collection of 18 museums, 40 galleries and numerous cultural institutions. It's like a cultural smorgasbord – you can explore 5,000 years of history, from ancient Egypt to modern art.
My absolute favourite is the Museum Brandhorst. It´s a private museum with important international Modern Art from the late 1950s onwards. As well as amazing pieces by artists like Gerhard Richter, Jeff Koons and Monika Baer, it also houses the biggest collection of Andy Warhol in Europe and the world’s largest collection of Cy Twombly works.
Another is The Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, an incredible museum in the historic villa and former home of the “prince of painters” Franz von Lenbach. It houses the world’s largest collection of Blue Rider artwork, including pieces by Franz Marc, Paul Klee, and Wassily Kandinsky, gifted to the museum in 1957 by artist Gabriele Münter, Kandinsky’s partner. On Sundays, many Munich museums offer free or discounted (€1) entrance so it’s a great day to visit a few and tick some amazing art off your bucket list.
Journey back in time
A place I could visit time and again is the Alte Pinakothek. The building alone is incredible and it houses an impressive collection of European paintings from the 14th - 18th century including works by Dürer, Rubens, Raphael, Titian, van Dyck and Rembrandt.
Somewhere that takes a look back at Munich’s past is nsdoku, or the Munich Documentation Center, which stands on the site of ‘Brown House’, the former Nazi Party headquarters. This educational site confronts the city's past with exhibits and events, offering a critical look at this part of our history through exhibitions, talks, and educational events.
Hidden treasures between the masterpieces
Beyond the city’s most famous galleries, there are a handful of lesser-known spots that add something extra to a day of art and culture. Tucked into the inner courtyard of the Glyptothek, Munich’s first public museum and home to extraordinary ancient sculptures, you’ll find a charming little café. It’s the ideal place to pause between galleries, and on a sunny day it has a wonderfully Mediterranean feel.
For those who enjoy hunting for treasures of their own, Kunst Oase in Schwabing is a must. Crammed floor to ceiling with original art, antiques and curiosities, it’s quirky, eclectic and endlessly fascinating. Whether you leave with a painting, a piece of furniture, or simply inspiration, it’s a truly special place.
And finally, after a visit to The Residenz, Germany’s largest city palace, I recommend relaxing on the steps of Max-Joseph-Platz as opera-goers arrive at the theatre opposite in their evening finery. During the summer, this spot becomes the Apollon Stufenbar, with live DJs and a menu of refreshing cocktails. It’s the perfect way to end a day exploring Munich.
Through a modern lens
The Kunsthalle München is one of the most renowned exhibition venues in Germany. It’s right in the city centre so it’s great when you’re out and about and exploring, or perfect for a rainy day.
The Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA) is Germany’s first museum dedicated to urban art, showcasing it as an artistic movement in its own right. Housing artists such as Banksy, Christo & Jeanne-Claude and Keith Haring, even the outside of the museum is covered in art and the former air-raid shelter next to the museum hosts cool exhibitions.
Something unique is our exclusive graffiti tour - it’s really fun for art lovers and gets your kids interested in art. Munich was a pioneer in the German graffiti art scene, at one point it was a rival to New York in that sense, and now you can see incredible work painted across the city.
Set within the verdant Lenbachgärten quarter and close to the historic Königsplatz, the effortlessly elegant Charles Hotel in Munich is where contemporary style meets traditional Bavarian hospitality.
Phone Number*
Address
Sophienstrasse 28
80333 Munich, Germany
Munich
80333 Munich, Germany
Munich
Set within the verdant Lenbachgärten quarter and close to the historic Königsplatz, the effortlessly elegant Charles Hotel in Munich is where contemporary style meets traditional Bavarian hospitality.
Phone Number*
Address
Sophienstrasse 28
80333 Munich, Germany
Munich
80333 Munich, Germany
Munich
Set within the verdant Lenbachgärten quarter and close to the historic Königsplatz, the effortlessly elegant Charles Hotel in Munich is where contemporary style meets traditional Bavarian hospitality.
Phone Number*
Address
Sophienstrasse 28
80333 Munich, Germany
Munich
80333 Munich, Germany
Munich