München Neue Pinakothek

 Germany > Bavaria > Munich

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The gallery was founded in 1853 by the Bavarian king Ludwig I, who wanted to make his private collection of modern art available to the public by placing it in the Old and New Pinakothek. The new Pinakothek is thus the first “collection of contemporary art" in the world. Established at the turn of the century, the border between old and new art has become decisive for German art galleries. In accordance with the artistic preferences of Ludwig I, initially, the majority of the exhibition was made by the Munich school of painting and German romantics. Particular attention was paid to South German artists and art schools. The collection of the New Pinakothek is now being replenished thanks to voluntary donations and acquisitions and is one of the largest art exhibitions of the late 18th – 19th centuries. The original building, built by Friedrich von Gertner and August von Voight, was destroyed during World War II.