Celebrating International Museum Day 2020 in and around Munich

18 May is International Museum Day! One of my most viewed posts is on Munich’s many museums – and while all of the information there still stands, I thought I’d create a post that focused more on enjoying museums now that a) we have social distancing measures in place and b) we’re in for a week of terrific weather. Obviously, it’s important to note that masks are to be worn in all museums and distancing rules apply.

Buchheim Museum
There truly couldn’t be a better Bavarian museum to visit when the sun is shining. The Buchheim Museum, on the shores of Lake Starnberg, is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am-6pm and they have a new exhibition on the German expressionist group Die Brücke that looks fantastic. Order tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment (only a certain number of visitors are allowed entry at one time to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to). There is a lovely little walkway right next to the lake that offers the perfect spot to soak up some sun.

MUCA
The SWOON exhibition in MUCA has been extended and as of 13 May, it’s been possible to revisit the gallery in Hotterstraße from Wednesday through until Sunday. You can also take a virtual 360° tour of the exhibition, if you’d prefer (but do support them by buying something via their shop!)

Haus der Kunst
Haus der Kunst reopened again last week, with new measures in place to ensure hygine and safety. Tickets can be bought in advance (again, only a certain number of visitors are allowed in at one time) here. Exhibition durations have been extended – Theaster Gates’ fantastic Black Chapel exhibition will now run until 16 August, 2020, for example. More information is available here. Enjoy a drink on the terrace as of 18 May – the Goldene Bar will be serving outdoors.

Villa Stuck
Combine a stroll by the Isar with a trip to Villa Stuck to see Lisa Walker’s jewellery exhibition, which has been extended until 5 July, 2020. It opened on 5 March with Lisa Walker herself present, before closing a couple of weeks later due to coronavirus. As such, very few people managed to catch it before the museums closed. Once you’ve finished with the exhibition, stroll across the river to Fräulein Grüneis for a cold beer by the Eisbach.

Deutsches Museum
The world’s largest science and technology museum is open again! I found it a frustrating visit the past couple of times, as so much of the museum is closed for renovation, but if you’re itching to learn more about science, the sprawling Deutsches Museum is the place to do so. Tickets are only available online right now, so plan in advance and make sure you spare time to grab an ice cream from True & 12 around the corner.

Lenbachhaus
While the aforementioned Buchheim Museum might be the perfect museum for a summer’s day outside of Munich, Lenbachhaus might be the city’s answer to culture and sun in one. The gardens of the Maxvorstadt museum are tranquil, and nothing really ever changes in the gallery, which I think is part of its charm. Buy tickets online to avoid disappointment.

Pinakotheken
The three Pinakotheken have opened in stages, with the Pinakothek der Moderne set to open on Wednesday. While there aren’t online ticket sales, it is possible to use contactless payment methods. Please note that the cafes are currently closed – but the museums are working on a solution.

Others
Right now, the Bavarian state’s palaces (including Residenz and Schloss Nymphenburg) are closed to the public. This is set to be reviewed at the end of the month, but it is still possible to wander various palace gardens. The gardens at Nymphenburg are oddly, beautifully peaceful at the moment, due to lack of tourism.