Museum Brandhorst is a contemporary art museum at Theresienstraße 35a in Munich’s Kunstareal. Its façade is clad in 36,000 ceramic rods in 23 colours; inside, galleries across three floors display works by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Joseph Beuys, Damien Hirst and other artists. Look for Warhol’s Marilyn portrait and Twombly’s rooms, including the Lepanto series. The collection spans modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions alongside works from the permanent collection. Allow time to explore all three floors.
The ceramic façade
Museum Brandhorst opened in 2009 in Munich’s Kunstareal, the city’s museum district. Architects Sauerbruch Hutton designed the building with 36,000 glazed ceramic rods in 23 colours. Their changing tones give the exterior a striped, shifting appearance. The façade is a reason to pause outside before heading in, particularly if you are interested in contemporary architecture.
A collection centred on Warhol and Twombly
The museum presents modern and contemporary art from the collection assembled by Anette and Udo Brandhorst. More than 700 works belong to the collection, with a selection on view at any one time. Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly are central to the displays: the holdings include more than 100 works by Warhol and over 170 by Twombly. The museum is noted for the scale of both collections, including the largest collection of Twombly works outside the United States. Other artists represented include Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter, Damien Hirst, Bruce Nauman, Sigmar Polke and Robert Rauschenberg. Works span painting, sculpture, photography and multimedia, so the galleries move between different forms and approaches to art.
Highlights inside
Make time for the Cy Twombly rooms and the monumental Lepanto series. Warhol’s Marilyn portrait is another prominent work, and Mustard Race Riot shows a political subject in his art. The museum’s displays also include works by artists such as Alex Katz, Jannis Kounellis and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Which pieces are on view can depend on the current presentation, as the museum combines its collection with changing exhibitions.
Planning a visit
The galleries occupy three floors, and a visit of about two hours gives you time to explore them. The museum has a café, a restaurant and a shop, as well as guided tours. Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms are listed among its facilities. Advance tickets are recommended. Sunday admission is described as discounted in the gathered information, but check the museum’s current ticket details before setting out.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long do you need at Museum Brandhorst?
About two hours is a useful guide for exploring the galleries across three floors.
What should I see at Museum Brandhorst?
Look for the Cy Twombly rooms and the Lepanto series, as well as works by Andy Warhol, including his Marilyn portrait.
Is Museum Brandhorst free on Sundays?
Sunday tickets are described as discounted, not free. Check the museum’s current ticket information for admission details.
Do you need to book Museum Brandhorst tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
