Museum Brandhorst

The Museum Brandhorst in Munich's Kunstareal (art district) houses the significant private collection of modern and contemporary art assembled by Udo and Anette Brandhorst. The building, which opened in 2009, stands just north of the Pinakothek der Moderne and was designed by the architecture firm Sauerbruch Hutton. Its most striking feature is the colorful facade, made up of tens of thousands of vertically mounted ceramic rods in a range of hues. The design is not merely decorative; it also contributes to sound insulation and energy efficiency. Inside, the exhibition space spans three tall floors, defined by light oak flooring and white-painted walls. The lighting concept relies heavily on diffused daylight, which is channeled into the galleries through special textile ceilings to show the artworks to their best advantage.

The collection focuses on artists who have decisively shaped art since 1945. A particular highlight is Cy Twombly, who has an entire floor dedicated to him, including the famous Lepanto cycle. Andy Warhol is also well represented with a large body of work, as are Joseph Beuys, Sigmar Polke, and Damien Hirst. The galleries are designed to allow for different hanging arrangements, from sweeping panoramic views to smaller, surprisingly interconnected areas on the ground floor. Here you can experience an intense encounter with works of Pop Art, Minimal Art, and German postwar art.

The museum's history is closely tied to the story of the Brandhorsts' collecting, which they began building in the 1970s. After Anette Brandhorst's death, Udo Brandhorst looked for a partner to present the collection to the public. The Free State of Bavaria ultimately took on the financing of the building and its operating costs, while the foundation contributed substantial capital for acquisitions. The museum is run by the Bavarian State Painting Collections and, in addition to its permanent collection, regularly presents rotating special exhibitions that highlight the diversity of contemporary art.