Bayerisches Nationalmuseum

Overview

The Bavarian National Museum is one of Europe's most important decorative-arts museums, spanning medieval to Art Nouveau. Its 48 period rooms—entire reconstructed interiors—are unmatched in scope.

Highlights

• Nativity collection: One of the world's finest displays of Christmas crèches (Krippen) from 17th–19th centuries.
• Period rooms: Complete Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque interiors transplanted beam-by-beam into the museum.
• Tilman Riemenschneider gallery: Outstanding limewood sculptures by the great late-Gothic master.

History

Founded by King Maximilian II in 1855, the museum moved to its current Prinzregentenstraße building (1900), designed in a historicist style that itself became part of the collection's story.

Visitor Tips

• €1 Sundays: Discounted entry.
• Often overlooked: Far fewer visitors than the Pinakotheks—enjoy the quiet.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.