A front view of the new Alpine Museum on the Praterinsel on the Isar river

Alpines Museum Munich

The museum for mountain fanatics

The German Alpine Club's Alpines Museum in Munich is packed with information about the mountain landscape, and is a must for anyone who is fascinated by the Alps.

Munich simply wouldn't be Munich without its proximity to the Alps, a favourite haunt of locals for sport and leisure or simply to get away from it all. The Alpine Museum in the Lehel district promises a wealth of interesting variety, from the permanent “The History of Mountaineering“ exhibition through to rotating special shows and studio displays that explore particular topics in depth. The permanent exhibition shows visitors how people have been conquering the mountain faces, peaks and cliffs since the 17th century. 

In addition to old pieces of equipment that tell their own clear story, there will be a wealth of wonderful paintings of captivating landscapes, graphics and photos. The Schlagintweit family collection includes over two hundred water colours, drawings and lithographs of their ancestors' travels to India and Central Asia, and so forms the centre piece of the Alpine Museum. To preserve the works, they can unfortunately be shown only occasionally, so please check what special exhibitions are on display before your visit.

The Alpines Museum was destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt and opened again by the German Alpine Club in 1996. The subject of nature is widely explored, along with many varied aspects of science, tourism and sport. The museum also hosts literary readings, expert discussions, lectures and book launches. Go to our website to see what's coming up next. The museum's Café Isarlust serves visitors with delicious cakes and hearty local Alpine dishes. If the weather's good, sit in the garden and enjoy the sense of a brief escape within touching distance of the Alpine mountains.

The Alpine Museum promises no end of variety to entertain and interest its visitors. A visit to the Praterinsel (island) is guaranteed to whet your appetite for your own adventures in the mountains.

www.alpenverein.de/museum

Good to know: With the München Card and the City Pass, admission here is discounted. Whichever card you choose, local public transport is always free.

 

 

Photo: Frank Stolle
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