The Alte Pinakothek (Munich)

Munich’s centrally located Kunstareal art district is where you will find the Alte Pinakothek gallery, which is one of the oldest art museums in the world. Its vast collection focuses primarily on European old masters, some dating back to the 13th century. The collection is dominated by works from Italian Renaissance masters, Dutch, Flemish and classic German artists along with renowned paintings from France and Spain. On cheap city breaks in Munich, you will find that the jewel in the crown is the comprehensive collection of works by Rubens which is one of the largest on show in the world. Pride of place is given to the monumental ‘Last Judgment’ which alone seems to fill up a whole room.

 

Whatever your personal preference, there is much to admire at the Alte Pinakothek and classical art lovers will be fascinated in particular by some lesser known works by early German artists such as Albrecht Durer or Matthias Grunewald. These are complimented by more familiar paintings from such luminaries as Hieronymus Bosch, Rembrandt, Titian, Raphael and El Greco. All works are generally displayed chronologically and grouped into recognised schools of art and on short breaks in Munich, you can pick up an audio tour in English and explore the highlights with insightful and entertaining commentary.

 

The Alte Pinakothek has a lecture hall and education resources centre which puts on film screenings, creative workshops and discussions relating to its permanent and temporary exhibitions. Weekend breaks in Munich can take advantage of monthly workshops just for kids and are super value as admission on Sundays is just a nominal 1 euro for all. The gallery forms just part of the huge Pinakothek art complex which includes the Neue Pinakothek, concentrating on fine arts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Completing the triumvirate is the Pinakothek Moderne which brings art lovers right up date with contemporary works up to the present day.