Munich’s rich culture and history are reflected in its impressive collection of museums. From famous masterpieces to incredible coin collections, there’s something to capture everyone’s interest Here’s my list of the best free museums in Munich.
Table of Contents
- The best free museums in Munich
- Archiv Geiger – Geiger Archive
- Sammlung Goetz – Goetz Collection
- BMW Welt – BMW World
- Palaeontological Museum
- Geological Museum
- Museum for Casts of Classical Sculptures
- NS-Dokumentationszentrum – Documentation Centre
- Münchner Kaiserburg im Alten Hof – Imperial Castle in the Old Court
- Summary
- Related posts
From luxury cars to ancient dinosaur skeletons and art museums there’s something for everyone across the free museums in Munich. You’re sure to find something interesting to go and see and even better – it’s free!
The best free museums in Munich
What you need to know
- Are there many free museums in Munich? There’s a great range of free museums in Munich, especially if you’re younger. Many museums offer free entry to those under 18.
- Are museums free on Sunday in Munich? Not quite, although many of the best museums in Munich do offer a reduced entry fee of only one euro on Sundays!
Munich Card
Munich offers two tourist passes, the Munich Card and CityTourCard. Both of these passes offer great discounts on many museums as well as free access to public transportation. Discounts apply to places such as Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, the Egyptian Museum and many more. If you’re planning to visit a lot of museums in Munich, these passes are well worth checking out.
Free museums for under 18s
Munich’s museums are ideal for family outings. With many offering free admission for those under 18, visiting a museum can be one of the best free things to do in Munich with family. Here’s a rundown of some of the best places which offer free entry to those under 18s:
Museum Brandhorst
Museum Brandhorst boasts over 1200 contemporary artworks by a range of international artists. It’s a must-see for art enthusiasts, featuring Europe’s largest Warhol collection alongside pieces by renowned artists such as Keith Haring.
Bavarian National Museum
One of the largest museums in Germany, for those under 18 the Bavarian National Museum has to be one of the best free museums in Munich. The museum showcases Bavaria’s rich history and culture through diverse pieces including musical instruments, furniture, antiques, and intricate carvings.
Jewish Museum Munich
The Jewish Museum in Munich celebrates Jewish life, history, and culture. It narrates the story of Jews in the city through various educational exhibits, including moving exhibitions such as the Memorial to the 1972 Munich Massacre.
Alte Pinakothek
One of the most famous museums in Munich has to be Alte Pinakothek. Housing the largest collection of European paintings from the 14th to the 18th century, it boasts numerous masterpieces by famous artists like Peter Paul Rubens.
Bavarian State Coin Collection
The Bavarian State Coin Collection offers an incredible showcase of coins, medals, gemstones, and banknotes, portraying Bavaria’s rich history. With pieces spanning from Roman times to the modern era, the collection provides a fascinating journey through the region’s past.
Museum of Egyptian Art
One of the best free museums in Munich for under 18s and one of my favourites is the Museum of Egyptian Art. The museum has an incredible collection of world-class artefacts, including statues, relics, artwork and coffins. I can’t recommend the Museum of Egyptian Art enough, especially if you’re a history lover!
One euro Sunday
If you are planning to visit a museum in Munich, it’s worth waiting until Sunday to take advantage of €1 Sunday. Many of Munich’s best museums, including Alte Pinakothek, the Museum of Egyptian Art, and the Bavarian State Coin Collection, offer a reduced entrance fee of just €1 on Sundays.
Archiv Geiger – Geiger Archive
Rupprecht Geiger was a famous architect with works across Munich including the Gerundetes Blau sculpture. Archiv Geiger, situated within Geiger’s former studio, pays homage to his remarkable contributions to art and architecture. Visitors can partake in a walking tour as well as popular workshops at the Archive. Immerse yourself in Geiger’s world and experience one of the best free museums in Munich for art lovers!
Sammlung Goetz – Goetz Collection
A true celebration of contemporary art, Sammlung Goetz showcases over 5000 curated pieces of artwork. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, media art, paper works, and photography on display here, spanning a plethora of themes. Its extensive range of pieces ensures there’s something to captivate the interest of every visitor, making it a must-visit art gallery.
BMW Welt – BMW World
Not to be confused with the BMW museum, one of the best-known free museums in Munich, BMW Welt is great for everyone, especially car lovers. See the newest BMW models, catch a glimpse of future designs, and delve into the brand’s rich history. Guided tours are available as well as a range of workshops, perfect for children and families. BMW Welt also features a great selection of cafes and a gift shop to round off your visit.
Palaeontological Museum
Are you a dinosaur enthusiast? Then the Palaeontological Museum is one of the best free museums in Munich for you! This is a fantastic museum filled with fossils and dinosaur skeletons, all completely free to see. Travel back in time and explore the fascinating journey of life on Earth for both plants and animals as you walk among the dinosaurs.
Geological Museum
One of the best free museums in Munich if you’re interested in exploring the Earth’s history has to be the Geological Museum. Delve into the realms of geology, fossils, and minerals while exploring Bavaria’s geological foundations and how the Earth’s layers are intertwined. The museum showcases a wide range of rocks and minerals, making it a great visit for any age.
Museum for Casts of Classical Sculptures
Housing over 2000 casts of famous Greek and Roman sculptures, the Museum for Casts of Classical Sculptures is my pick for being one of the best free museums in Munich. Bringing together renowned sculptures from esteemed collections worldwide, it offers a unique journey through history. Housed primarily in two 18-meter-high halls, this museum provides a distinctive opportunity to get up close to world-famous artwork.
NS-Dokumentationszentrum – Documentation Centre
Located on the site of the former headquarters of the Nazi Party, for those interested in history, the Documentation Centre is one of the best free museums in Munich. The museum explores the history of the Nazi party as well as Munich’s role in its early beginnings. Both the rise and fall of the party are covered as well as the horrors committed in between. This is one of my must-visit spots in Munich for anyone, especially those interested in this era of history.
Münchner Kaiserburg im Alten Hof – Imperial Castle in the Old Court
The initial home of the Wittelsbach royal family within Munich, the Imperial Castle is not only an important historical site within the city but also a great exhibition narrating its history. You’ll find films narrating the life of King Ludwig, one of Bavaria’s most notorious rulers, as well as learning the history of the Castle. Additionally, the exhibition showcases replicas of Wittelsbach artefacts like coins and medals, providing further insight into the dynasty’s legacy. If you’re interested in the city’s history, this is one of the best free museums in Munich for you.
Summary
There are so many great free museums in Munich along with enticing offers and discounts to make exploring the city’s culture cheaper than ever. There’s no excuse not to go and explore some history in the Bavarian capital!
