Veröffentlicht von The Lenbachhaus Munich is one of the most important museums of modern art in Germany. Internationally known for its unique collection of works by the Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) group, the museum is a must-see for anyone interested in expressionism, early abstraction and 20th-century art.
Picture: User:Usien / CC BY-SA
Located near Königsplatz in Munich’s museum quarter, the Lenbachhaus combines historic villa architecture with modern exhibition spaces. It is smaller and more focused than some of Munich’s larger museums, but its artistic importance is outstanding.
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What is the Lenbachhaus?
The Lenbachhaus is a municipal art museum of the city of Munich. It is especially famous for holding the world’s largest collection of works by the Blue Rider artists. These painters revolutionized modern art in the early 20th century by using bold colors and moving toward abstraction.
The museum complex consists of:
- The historic villa of painter Franz von Lenbach
- A modern extension building
- A landscaped inner courtyard
This combination of historic and contemporary architecture makes the Lenbachhaus visually interesting even before entering the exhibitions.
History of the Museum
The Lenbachhaus is based on the former residence of Franz von Lenbach (1836–1904), a successful portrait painter of the 19th century. He built the villa in Italian Renaissance style.
After Lenbach’s death, the city of Munich acquired the building and turned it into a public gallery. Over time, the museum expanded its collection beyond Lenbach’s works.
The decisive development came in the early 20th century when works by the Blue Rider artists entered the collection. Today, this group forms the museum’s international reputation.
The Blue Rider Movement
The Blue Rider group was founded in Munich in 1911. It included artists who wanted to move beyond traditional academic painting and express inner emotions through color and form.
Main artists associated with the Blue Rider:
- Wassily Kandinsky
- Franz Marc
- Gabriele Münter
- August Macke
- Paul Klee
- Alexej von Jawlensky
The movement was short-lived but extremely influential. It ended with the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
Hotels near Lenbachhaus
Stay in Munich’s museum district close to Königsplatz and the Pinakothek area.
Highlights of the Collection
Wassily Kandinsky
Kandinsky is considered one of the pioneers of abstract art. His works at the Lenbachhaus show the development from figurative expressionism to fully abstract compositions.
Franz Marc
Marc is known for his symbolic animal paintings, especially blue horses. His use of strong primary colors makes his works immediately recognizable.
Gabriele Münter
Münter preserved many Blue Rider works during the Nazi era when modern art was labeled “degenerate.” Without her efforts, many masterpieces might have been lost.
19th-Century Munich School
Before focusing on modernism, the museum presents 19th-century painting from Munich. This includes realistic portraits and historical scenes, allowing visitors to understand the artistic context from which expressionism emerged.
Contemporary Art
The Lenbachhaus also presents contemporary art exhibitions. These rotate regularly and may include installations, photography or multimedia works.
Short video Lenbachhaus Munich (from YouTube)
The Architecture
The historic Lenbach Villa reflects Italian Renaissance influences. In 2013, a major renovation added a modern extension designed by Foster + Partners. The golden exterior panels create a distinctive visual identity.
Inside, the exhibition rooms are bright and minimalist, focusing attention on the artworks.
How Long Should You Visit?
- 1 hour: Focus on Blue Rider highlights
- 2–3 hours: Full permanent collection
- Half day: Combine with nearby museums
Who Should Visit?
- Modern art lovers
- Expressionism enthusiasts
- Art students
- Visitors interested in early abstract art
Practical Information
- Location: Near Königsplatz
- Audio guides available
- Museum café and shop
- Special exhibitions change regularly
How to Get There
The nearest U-Bahn station is Königsplatz. The museum is about 15 minutes on foot from Munich Central Station.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- World-famous Blue Rider collection
- Architecturally impressive building
- Central location
- Manageable size
Cons
- Main focus on expressionism
- Temporary exhibitions may vary in quality
Is the Lenbachhaus Worth Visiting?
Yes. The Lenbachhaus is one of the most important museums in Munich for modern art. Even if you are not an