Pictures from a trip to Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne Gallery a few days ago. Whether you are a big art and design fan or not, it’s worth a visit to this place for the building alone (although I hear that not all locals would agree with me on that!)…
Opened in 2002, the Moderne is basically four museums in one. All 22,000 square metres of the place is divided into four separate entities with one wing to cover architecture, one for design, one for works on paper and the last of course has to be Art… And some pretty impressive art there is too, including works by Picasso, Mattisse, Miro, Bacon and my personal favourite Henry Moore! Be aware though that the Works on Paper wing changes frequently, so do check beforehand if there’s something you are specifically interested in seeing.
I am a sucker for both modern architecture and art (which is perhaps why I spent so much time at Louisiana when we lived in Denmark!), and this is one building where every aspect has been taken into consideration in order to show off its treasures. From the beautiful rotunda of the reception area to the (mostly) natural light in the Art Collection (following certain recent finds in the city, you have to wonder how much this modern art collection will grow by too!), to the vertical rotating platforms displaying countless iconic designs in the Design section.
The staff are helpful and unstuffy (and are even very nice if you forget to turn your flash off your camera – Mother!!). If you visit during the week you will feel like you almost have it to yourself too (I did – apart from the crowd of Danes appreciating the chairs from home in the Design section!)!
It’s definitely worth taking out one of the free audio guides too, as with the help of one of those not only do you find out exactly what it is you are looking at, but a little more about the designer/artist/architect themselves so you can feel all knowledgeable at the end of your visit. And when you have finished your morning of cultural and artistic appreciation, I can confirm that the cakes in the restaurant (also in a magnificent space!) are definitely worth investigating too!
Open from Tues-Sunday, Entry: 10 Euros – Free on a Wednesday. Free Audio Guides. Cameras allowed – no Flash!!
3yearsandhome says
I really look the look of this and not just the cake. Modern art museums are fascinating. I really must get the kids in to the city more.
bavaria says
Thank you – the one I loved in Denmark had the most amazing kids section, so great for introducing them to art in that kind of environment – they are usually good at abstract after all I find! :D xx
Rollercoaster Mum says
Looks like a fabulous place. I like a lot of modern architecture – not always so sure about modern art but this looks like a fabulous place to go to look at it. I particularly like the pic that looks like it has been taken down the stairs.
bavaria says
There is definitely something for everyone here. Thank you! :)
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
My family and I would love it here. Just our kind of art gallery. Reminds me of Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art (and the one in Madrid) – all that light, space and whiteness!
bavaria says
I have yet to visit the one in Barcelona, but I think I have been to the one in Madrid – is that the one with Guernica in it? I remember loving the building. Thank you! :) xx
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
Yes it is – called the Reina Sofia :-)
bavaria says
I remember now… :) x
Henry | @fotoeins says
I’m a big fan of the Pinakotheken. Every time I’ve been in Munchkin, I head to the “deep dark depths” of Schwabing ;-) to (re)immerse myself back in some art, art, art. Echt schöne Fotos gemacht; diese Museen fehlen mir sehr auch! Aber ay, was für Kuchenstuck! :)
bavaria says
Danke Henry! :D
Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
What an amazing place, you have captured it so well.
(oh and the cake looks delicious)
bavaria says
Thank you! :) xx
Matthew Hirtes says
Whenever I go to a city I haven’t been before, inevitably my first port of call is to an art gallery. I just can’t keep away. Some great ones in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but do miss visiting the London galleries.
bavaria says
So do I… The ones in London really are incredible too! Thank you! :)
Mammasaurus says
Love the art and love the look of the cake – hmm a tough choice to choose between them!
bavaria says
I can’t… it has to be both every time! :D Thank you…
Helloitsgemma says
Beautiful images – I love a wander in an empty gallery. There’s something great about being alone with art – even if half the time I’m not entirely sure what it means.
bavaria says
I always say that it’s a sign that an artist has done a good job if it even makes you stand and wonder what it is! :D
older mum in a muddle says
Very, very cool photographs… and what a gorgeous space, and slice of cake (scrummy). X
bavaria says
It is such a beautiful space. Glad you like the pics too! Thank you! :)
Mama Syder says
Wow, what a cool place to visit! My camera would be doing overtime! Great photo’s xxx
bavaria says
It’s a very photogenic place…. Thank you mama S! :) xxx
Sarah@The View From the Table says
Brilliant images Emma. I’m well overdue a wander around a good gallery…
bavaria says
Thank you Sarah! There’s something very soothing about it from time to time isn’t there? Unless you are with someone who forgets to turn their camera flash off!
A Patchwork Life says
I love that you always seem to find delicious cake on your outings! Looks like an amazing place – so vast – especially keen on the furniture :)
bavaria says
Thank you T… There always has to be cake… :D xx
kelloggsville says
wow! That looks fantastic, I could spend hours in there.
bavaria says
It could easily eat up most of a day! Thank you! :)
Leslie says
this has been on my list….now no excuses not to go! a great post!!
bavaria says
You must must go Leslie! I am going back to the Altes soon again if you want to come with me?
Grace says
Mmmmmm apart from getting told off, the museum was amazing and the delicious cake made up for it!! x
bavaria says
You did actually try to run away from the guard though!! xx
Bianca @itsallbee says
This looks like a place I would enjoy. I love modern art. It reminds me of the museum of modern art in Zagreb. BTW that trip also ended with tea and cake so don’t think I havent spotted that last picture. *lick*
bavaria says
Haha… thanks Bianca, cake is definitely an important part of any Museum visit. If you haven’t been to Denmark yet, you MUST go to Louisiana – best cake EVER!! :D
Louisa says
I love art, design and architecture too. It is interesting how some people can love a building and others loathe it…..it is such a personal thing. Marmite! Looks like the sort of place I would enjoy visiting.
bavaria says
You are right, it’s like recommending a book – such a personal thing! Thanks Louisa! :)
Funky Wellies says
Very cool photo essay, and would love to visit this place! xx
bavaria says
Another thing to add to your visiting Munich list!! Thank you xx