Lenbachhaus Munich Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Significance Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Munich’s vibrant Kunstareal, the Lenbachhaus is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life and a premier destination for art lovers, historians, and travelers. Originally built as the villa and studio of portraitist Franz von Lenbach between 1887 and 1891, the museum today offers a harmonious blend of historic grandeur and contemporary innovation. The Lenbachhaus is world-renowned for its unique collection of Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) artworks—an avant-garde movement that profoundly influenced modern art. The museum also boasts extensive collections spanning the 19th-century Munich School, New Objectivity, and contemporary art, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the evolution of European art (Lenbachhaus Museum History; Discover Bavaria).

This detailed guide covers everything prospective visitors need to know: history, collections, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, practical tips, and nearby attractions, ensuring you get the most from your Lenbachhaus experience (Lenbachhaus Collection; European Traveler).

Table of Contents

Historical Overview

Origins and Construction

The Lenbachhaus began as the villa and studio of Franz von Lenbach (1836–1904), a leading 19th-century portraitist. Designed by Gabriel von Seidl in the Florentine style, the villa’s L-shaped wings and lush gardens by Max Kolb reflected Lenbach’s artistic ambitions and love for Italian Renaissance aesthetics. The lavish interior, adorned with art and antiques, served as both Lenbach’s residence and a social hub for Munich’s cultural elite (Lenbachhaus Museum History; Munich.de).

Transition to Public Museum

After Lenbach’s death, his widow sold the property to the City of Munich in 1924. This transition enabled the city to fulfill its long-held goal of creating a museum highlighting the Munich School and contemporary art. Architect Hans Grässel added a north wing in 1927, and the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus opened to the public in 1929 (Munich.de; Wikipedia).

The Nazi Era and World War II

During the Nazi regime, the Lenbachhaus’s leadership and collection were restructured to fit party ideology, with “degenerate” art removed and Nazi-approved works added. The museum suffered significant damage during WWII bombing raids, particularly the studio wing, though the collections were largely saved through evacuation (Lenbachhaus Museum History).

Postwar Recovery and the Blue Rider Collection

In 1957, Gabriele Münter’s extraordinary donation of Blue Rider masterpieces—including works by Kandinsky, Marc, Macke, Klee, and herself—transformed the Lenbachhaus into a global center for early modernist art. The museum’s Blue Rider collection is the most comprehensive in the world, making it the primary destination for admirers of German Expressionism (Lenbachhaus Collection; European Traveler).

Architectural Evolution and Expansion

To accommodate its growing role, the Lenbachhaus has undergone several expansions:

  • Hans Grässel’s north wing (1927–1929)
  • Modern extension by Heinrich Volbehr and Rudolf Thönessen (1969–1972)
  • Opening of the Kunstbau underground exhibition space (1994)
  • Major renovation and new copper-alloy facade by Foster + Partners (2009–2013), culminating in the 2013 reopening (Wikipedia; Munich.travel).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

  • Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00
  • Thursday: 10:00–20:00 (extended hours)
  • Closed Mondays and public holidays

Tickets & Prices

  • Adults: €12
  • Reduced Admission (students, seniors): €8
  • Free: Children and young people under 18
  • Combination tickets for special exhibitions available
  • Purchase: Online via the official Lenbachhaus website or at the entrance

Location & Access

  • Address: Luisenstraße 33, 80333 Munich, Germany
  • Nearest transport: Königsplatz U-Bahn station (U2, U8)
  • Tram/bus: Several lines serve the area; public transport is recommended

Accessibility

  • Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps
  • Accessible restrooms available
  • Audio guides and guided tours in multiple languages
  • Assistance for visitors with disabilities can be arranged

Visitor Tips

  • Arrive early for a quieter experience, especially on weekends
  • Guided tours available; book in advance for popular slots
  • Photography without flash is allowed in permanent collections; check signage for special exhibitions
  • Don’t miss the historic villa rooms and gardens

Key Collections and Highlights

The Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) Collection

The museum’s crown jewel, the Blue Rider collection, features iconic works by Kandinsky, Marc, Münter, Macke, Klee, and more. Highlights include Marc’s “Blaues Pferd I” (Blue Horse I), Kandinsky’s pioneering abstractions, and Münter’s expressive landscapes and portraits (in-muenchen.de; artsandculture.google.com).

Munich School & 19th-Century Art

Works by Lenbach, Wilhelm Busch, Carl Spitzweg, and others document Munich’s artistic flowering in the 19th century, offering insights into the city’s social and cultural development (in-muenchen.de).

New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit)

This movement brought a sharp, realistic approach to interwar German art, addressing social issues with works by artists such as Otto Dix and Alexej von Jawlensky (rausgegangen.de).

Post-1945 and Contemporary Art

The Lenbachhaus continues to collect and exhibit postwar and contemporary art, with notable works by Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter, Rupprecht Geiger, Maria Lassnig, Sarah Morris, and Isa Genzken. The museum’s dynamic approach ensures that visitors encounter both historic masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary art (in-muenchen.de).

Kunstbau: Special Exhibition Space

The Kunstbau, an innovative underground annex, hosts major temporary exhibitions, often featuring immersive installations and experimental art (rausgegangen.de; hyperallergic.com).


Unique Visitor Experiences

  • Special Exhibitions: Regularly changing shows in the Kunstbau and main museum
  • Workshops and Events: Artist talks, educational programs, and hands-on workshops
  • Free Admission Days: First Thursday evening of each month (18:00–22:00) and International Museum Day (in-muenchen.de)
  • Café Ella: Enjoy food and drinks in the museum’s stylish café
  • Museum Shop: Find art books, prints, and unique gifts

Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips

  • Königsplatz: Iconic neoclassical square with the Glyptothek and Staatliche Antikensammlungen
  • Pinakothek Museums: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne are all within walking distance
  • English Garden: A vast urban park nearby, perfect for a post-museum stroll
  • Dining: Maxvorstadt district offers a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, and shops (secretmuenchen.com; turbopass.com)

FAQ

Q: What are the Lenbachhaus visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00, Thursday until 20:00, closed Mondays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adults €12, reduced €8, free for children under 18.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in several languages; advance booking recommended.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Fully accessible, with facilities for visitors with disabilities.

Q: When is admission free?
A: First Thursday of each month (evening), and International Museum Day.

Q: Can I take photos in the museum?
A: Yes, without flash in most permanent collection areas.


Summary and Final Tips

The Lenbachhaus is more than a museum—it’s a living testament to Munich’s artistic history and a vibrant participant in contemporary culture. From the historic villa and gardens to the world’s premier Blue Rider collection and bold contemporary exhibitions, the Lenbachhaus offers a layered narrative of innovation and engagement. Its central location in the Kunstareal makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Munich’s rich cultural landscape (Lenbachhaus Museum History; in-muenchen.de; Munich.de; Discover Bavaria).

For the best experience:

  • Check opening hours and buy tickets online in advance
  • Join guided tours or use audio guides to deepen your understanding
  • Explore free admission opportunities and special events
  • Combine your visit with nearby museums and attractions
  • Download the Audiala app for interactive tours and updates

References


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Munich

Abbey Church Of St. Anna
Abbey Church Of St. Anna
Aidenbachstraße
Aidenbachstraße
Akademietheater
Akademietheater
Allach Concentration Camp Complex
Allach Concentration Camp Complex
Allianz Arena
Allianz Arena
Alpine Museum
Alpine Museum
Alte Heide
Alte Heide
Alte Münze
Alte Münze
Alte Pinakothek
Alte Pinakothek
Alter Hof
Alter Hof
Alter Nordfriedhof
Alter Nordfriedhof
Alter Südfriedhof
Alter Südfriedhof
Amalienburg
Amalienburg
Antiquarium
Antiquarium
Anton Ažbe Bust In Leopoldpark, Munich
Anton Ažbe Bust In Leopoldpark, Munich
Arabellapark
Arabellapark
Asamkirche
Asamkirche
Aubing
Aubing
Basler Straße
Basler Straße
Bavaria
Bavaria
Bavarian Academy Of Fine Arts
Bavarian Academy Of Fine Arts
Bavarian National Museum
Bavarian National Museum
Bavarian State Archaeological Collection
Bavarian State Archaeological Collection
Beer And Oktoberfest Museum
Beer And Oktoberfest Museum
Blutenburg Castle
Blutenburg Castle
Bmw Headquarters
Bmw Headquarters
Bmw Museum
Bmw Museum
Bmw Welt
Bmw Welt
Boerse Muenchen
Boerse Muenchen
Bogenhausen
Bogenhausen
Bogenhausener Friedhof
Bogenhausener Friedhof
Böhmerwaldplatz
Böhmerwaldplatz
Botanische Staatssammlung München
Botanische Staatssammlung München
Braunes Haus
Braunes Haus
|
  Category:Eisbach Surfing
| Category:Eisbach Surfing
Chinese Tower
Chinese Tower
Circus Krone
Circus Krone
Cuvilliés Theatre
Cuvilliés Theatre
Denkmal Für Die Wiesn-Attentat-Opfer
Denkmal Für Die Wiesn-Attentat-Opfer
Der Isarflößer
Der Isarflößer
Deutsches Jagd- Und Fischereimuseum
Deutsches Jagd- Und Fischereimuseum
Deutsches Museum
Deutsches Museum
Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum
Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum
Deutsches Theater München
Deutsches Theater München
Deutsches Theatermuseum
Deutsches Theatermuseum
Dianatempel
Dianatempel
Dichtergarten
Dichtergarten
Englischer Garten
Englischer Garten
Erwin Von Kreibig Museum
Erwin Von Kreibig Museum
European Patent Office
European Patent Office
Fischbrunnen
Fischbrunnen
Floßkanal
Floßkanal
Forstenried
Forstenried
Forstenrieder Allee
Forstenrieder Allee
Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche
Fraunhoferstraße
Fraunhoferstraße
Fröttmaning
Fröttmaning
Führerbau
Führerbau
Fünf Höfe
Fünf Höfe
Fürstenried Palace
Fürstenried Palace
Fürstenried West
Fürstenried West
Galerie Thomas
Galerie Thomas
Gärtnerplatz
Gärtnerplatz
Gasteig
Gasteig
Gern
Gern
Glaspalast
Glaspalast
Glyptothek
Glyptothek
Goetheplatz
Goetheplatz
Großhesseloher Brücke
Großhesseloher Brücke
Gut Freiham
Gut Freiham
Hauptbahnhof Metro Station
Hauptbahnhof Metro Station
Haus Der Kunst
Haus Der Kunst
Heilig-Geist-Kirche
Heilig-Geist-Kirche
Hellabrunn Zoo
Hellabrunn Zoo
Hercules Hall
Hercules Hall
Herz-Jesu-Kirche
Herz-Jesu-Kirche
Highlight Towers
Highlight Towers
Hofbräuhaus Am Platzl
Hofbräuhaus Am Platzl
Hofgarten (München)
Hofgarten (München)
Hofstatt (Munich)
Hofstatt (Munich)
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Hubertusbrunnen
Hubertusbrunnen
International Youth Library
International Youth Library
Isartor
Isartor
Japanese Tea House
Japanese Tea House
Jazzclub Unterfahrt
Jazzclub Unterfahrt
Jewish Museum Munich
Jewish Museum Munich
Josephsburg
Josephsburg
Justizpalast
Justizpalast
Justizvollzugsanstalt München
Justizvollzugsanstalt München
Kabelsteg In München
Kabelsteg In München
Karolinenplatz
Karolinenplatz
Kaufingerstraße
Kaufingerstraße
Königlich Bayerisches 1. Feldartillerie-Regiment „Prinzregent Luitpold“
Königlich Bayerisches 1. Feldartillerie-Regiment „Prinzregent Luitpold“
Königsplatz
Königsplatz
Kreillerstraße
Kreillerstraße
Kriegerdenkmal Im Hofgarten
Kriegerdenkmal Im Hofgarten
Kunstbau
Kunstbau
Kunsthalle Der Hypo-Kulturstiftung
Kunsthalle Der Hypo-Kulturstiftung
Künstlerhaus Am Lenbachplatz
Künstlerhaus Am Lenbachplatz
Kunstverein München
Kunstverein München
Lenbachhaus
Lenbachhaus
Lenbachplatz
Lenbachplatz
Literaturhaus München
Literaturhaus München
Lothringer13
Lothringer13
Löwenbräukeller
Löwenbräukeller
Löwenturm
Löwenturm
Ludwigskirche
Ludwigskirche
Luitpoldbrücke
Luitpoldbrücke
Machtlfinger Straße
Machtlfinger Straße
Mandarin Oriental, Munich
Mandarin Oriental, Munich
Mariahilfkirche
Mariahilfkirche
Marienplatz
Marienplatz
Mariensäule
Mariensäule
Mathäser
Mathäser
Maximilianeum
Maximilianeum
Maxturm
Maxturm
Mayer’Sche Hofkunstanstalt
Mayer’Sche Hofkunstanstalt
Messestadt Ost
Messestadt Ost
Messestadt West
Messestadt West
Metropol-Theater
Metropol-Theater
Monopteros
Monopteros
Moosfeld
Moosfeld
Müllersches Volksbad
Müllersches Volksbad
München Hirschgarten Station
München Hirschgarten Station
München Isartor Station
München Isartor Station
München Karlsplatz Station
München Karlsplatz Station
München Marienplatz Station
München Marienplatz Station
München-Trudering
München-Trudering
München-Trudering Station
München-Trudering Station
Münchner Freiheit
Münchner Freiheit
Münchner Haus Der Kulturinstitute
Münchner Haus Der Kulturinstitute
Münchner Marionettentheater
Münchner Marionettentheater
Münchner Volkstheater
Münchner Volkstheater
Munich Central Station
Munich Central Station
Munich Kammerspiele
Munich Kammerspiele
Munich Pasing
Munich Pasing
Munich Residence
Munich Residence
Munich-Riem Airport
Munich-Riem Airport
Munich Stadtmuseum
Munich Stadtmuseum
Museum Brandhorst
Museum Brandhorst
Museum Five Continents
Museum Five Continents
Museum Für Abgüsse Klassischer Bildwerke
Museum Für Abgüsse Klassischer Bildwerke
Museum Mineralogia Munich
Museum Mineralogia Munich
Museum Of Man And Nature
Museum Of Man And Nature
National Theatre Munich
National Theatre Munich
Neue Messe München
Neue Messe München
Neue Pinakothek
Neue Pinakothek
New Town Hall
New Town Hall
Ns-Dokumentationszentrum
Ns-Dokumentationszentrum
Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace
Obelisk Belgradstraße 113; Luitpoldpark; Schwabinger Schuttberg In München
Obelisk Belgradstraße 113; Luitpoldpark; Schwabinger Schuttberg In München
Obersendling
Obersendling
Oberwiesenfeld
Oberwiesenfeld
Odeonsplatz
Odeonsplatz
Ohel Jakob Synagogue
Ohel Jakob Synagogue
Old Town Hall, Munich
Old Town Hall, Munich
Olympia-Einkaufszentrum
Olympia-Einkaufszentrum
Olympia-Eissportzentrum
Olympia-Eissportzentrum
Olympiaturm
Olympiaturm
Palaeontological Museum, Munich
Palaeontological Museum, Munich
Palais Montgelas
Palais Montgelas
Palais Preysing
Palais Preysing
Panzerwiese
Panzerwiese
Partnachplatz
Partnachplatz
Pasinger Fabrik
Pasinger Fabrik
Pasinger Stadtpark
Pasinger Stadtpark
Perlacher Mugl
Perlacher Mugl
Petuelring
Petuelring
Pinakothek Der Moderne
Pinakothek Der Moderne
Pissoir Holzstraße
Pissoir Holzstraße
Platzl
Platzl
Poccistraße
Poccistraße
Prinz-Carl-Palais
Prinz-Carl-Palais
Prinzregententheater
Prinzregententheater
Pumucklbrunnen
Pumucklbrunnen
Rathaus-Glockenspiel
Rathaus-Glockenspiel
Residenz Theatre
Residenz Theatre
Rindermarkt
Rindermarkt
Royal Bavarian Infantry Lifeguards Regiment
Royal Bavarian Infantry Lifeguards Regiment
Ruhmeshalle
Ruhmeshalle
Schack Collection
Schack Collection
Schauburg
Schauburg
Scheidplatz
Scheidplatz
Schellingstraße
Schellingstraße
Schwere-Reiter-Straße
Schwere-Reiter-Straße
Sea Life München
Sea Life München
Sendlinger Straße
Sendlinger Straße
Sendlinger Tor
Sendlinger Tor
Siegestor
Siegestor
St. Lukas
St. Lukas
|
  St. Michael'S Church, Munich
| St. Michael'S Church, Munich
|
  St. Paul'S Church, Munich
| St. Paul'S Church, Munich
|
  St. Peter'S Church, Munich
| St. Peter'S Church, Munich
Staatliche Antikensammlungen
Staatliche Antikensammlungen
Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München
Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München
Staatliche Münzsammlung
Staatliche Münzsammlung
Staatliche Münzsammlung München
Staatliche Münzsammlung München
Staatstheater Am Gärtnerplatz
Staatstheater Am Gärtnerplatz
State Museum Of Egyptian Art
State Museum Of Egyptian Art
Statue St. Emmeram
Statue St. Emmeram
Stauwehr Oberföhring
Stauwehr Oberföhring
Stiglmaierplatz
Stiglmaierplatz
Straßenbahndepot
Straßenbahndepot
Sunken Village
Sunken Village
Tantris
Tantris
Technical Relief Agency Bavaria State Association
Technical Relief Agency Bavaria State Association
The New Collection
The New Collection
Theatine Church
Theatine Church
Theatinerstraße (München)
Theatinerstraße (München)
Theresienstraße
Theresienstraße
Theresienwiese
Theresienwiese
Toy Museum In The Old Town Hall Tower
Toy Museum In The Old Town Hall Tower
Ukrainian Free University
Ukrainian Free University
Ultraschall
Ultraschall
Universität
Universität
Untersbergstraße
Untersbergstraße
Valentin-Volkssänger-Musäum
Valentin-Volkssänger-Musäum
Villa Stuck
Villa Stuck
Villenkolonie Pasing I
Villenkolonie Pasing I
Villenkolonie Solln
Villenkolonie Solln
Walking Man
Walking Man
Weinstadl (München)
Weinstadl (München)
Westendstraße
Westendstraße
Wilhelmsgymnasium
Wilhelmsgymnasium
Wittelsbacherbrücke
Wittelsbacherbrücke
Wittelsbacherbrunnen (Lenbachplatz)
Wittelsbacherbrunnen (Lenbachplatz)
Zamdorf
Zamdorf
Zenith
Zenith