Matthew Barney at Haus der Kunst
Berliners have a slight problem with Munich. Some say the people there are too snobbish and posh, some are shocked by the prices for rents and expenses and other ones are just calling it a boring city. Maybe it’s true that Munich is not a nightlife hotspot in Germany and does not have nice bar-areas like Hamburg, Berlin or even Leipzig.
But that does not make the city overall boring. Being the capital of one of the richest states in Germany, Munich is filled with prestigious high class art, music and theater venues all worth experiencing. We had the opportunity to travel to Munich for the opening of the new art space of Louis Vuitton: Espace Louis Vuitton München in the city centre. During our stay we could also venture to other art places and interesting contemporary art exhibitions and created a small list of recommendations for your next trip out of town after the jump.
Haus der Kunst
In front of Munich’s most famous park called “Englischer Garten” this museum is probably one of the most illustrious avant-garde art places in Germany. We had the chance to enjoy the Matthew Barney exhibition, which includes giant sculptures from his recent film called River of Fundament. Even if the exhibition is worth watching by itself we wish we had seen the movie before. In general this museum has also quite a lot of other exhibitions going on and does not avoid any efforts to show the crème de la crème of the international art scene.
After a full-hearted art immersion we recommend a relaxed drink in the prestigious Golden Bar inside the museum. In summer also attracting the beautiful crowd of art lovers with the open air terrace facing the park.
photo: Marino Solokhov
Haus der Kunst
Prinzregentenstraße
1 80538 München
Monday to Sunday 10- 20
Tuesday10 - 22
Espace Louis Vuitton
On the most fancy street of Munich, the Maximilianstraße, a new hotspot for contemporary art has opened its doors. Next to the elegant Maison Louis Vuitton (which opened last year with a spectacular party we joined together with Uma Thurman) this new space is dedicated to contemporary art.
The current exhibition entitled “Les Approches” is presenting the work of experimental film maker Chantal Akerman and French artist Annette Messager. The exhibition is part of the curatorial project “Hors-les-murs” of the Fondation Louis Vuitton and shows rare artworks of its collection. The show will be on display until September 24, 2016.
Annette Messager: Mémoire Robots, Courtesy the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery
Annette Messager: Les Approches, photo: Fondation Louis Vuitton/Marc Domage, Paris 2016
Annette Messager: La Petite Ballerine, 2011, photo: Fondation Louis Vuitton/Marc Domage, Paris 2016
Espace Louis Vuitton München
Maximilianstraße 2a
80539 München
Monday to Friday 12–19
Saturday 10–19
www.espacelouisvuittonmuenchen.com
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Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus
The freshly renovated art gallery is hosting one of the biggest modern and contemporary collections in town. Called after one of the most famous Bavarian painters of the 19th century, Franz Lenbach, it presents a big part of his very dark and extravagant paintings. Furthemore this venue also presents an important part of Joseph Beuys’ life works too and hosts temporary exhibitions on contemporary issues that are worth seeing.
Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus
Luisenstraße 33
80333 München
Tuesday 10-21 Uhr
Wednesday to Sunday 10 – 18
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Pinakothek der Moderne
The whole area in Maxvorstadt is a high quality art experience of a special kind. If you are more into modern architecture, design, photography and art I recommend you to visit the Pinakothek der Moderne. The harsh concrete building by Stephan Braunfels is a masterpiece of its own. Filled with contemporary highlights from all disciplines this jewel is a must see for art lovers visiting town.
Pinakothek der Moderne
Barer Straße 40
80333 München
Tuesday-Sunday10.00 – 18.00h
Thursday 10.00 – 20.00h
www.pinakothek.de/pinakothek-der-moderne
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Museum Brandhorst
The colourful modern building hosts quite a lot of impressive pieces of modern and contemporary art. In the same area as the Pinakothek it surprises with renowned artist as Andy Warhol, Bruce Nauman and Damien Hirst.
photo: David Gale Studios / CC
Museum Brandhorst
Theresienstraße 35a
80333 München
Tuesday-Sunday10.00 – 18.00
Thursday 10.00 – 20.00
www.pinakothek.de/museum-brandhorst
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So wrapping it up: Traveling to Munich to enjoy contemporary art is a trip worth doing. As you see our recommendations are representing mostly the major art spots in town. But Munich has also small galleries and exhibitions. Since the city is easily accessible by foot or bike we recommend you to walk around with an open eye, ready for discovering unexpected art sensations.
