Prepare to laugh! The Valentin-Karlstadt Museum in Munich’s Isartor is a quirky, original place.
The museum is dedicated to the life and works of Munich comedian and folk singer Karl Valentin (1882 – 1948), and his wonderful partner, Liesl Karlstadt. To this day, Valentin is still well known for his quirky sense of humour in particular – and his renown extends far beyond the borders of Bavaria.
The museum features an impressive collection showcasing Karl Valentin’s artistic diversity and includes exhibits such as his fur-trimmed winter toothpick, and the nail in the wall on which Valentin hung his work as a carpenter when he decided to become a comedian. During opening hours, full-length films made by Valentin and Karlstadt are shown in an in-house cinema.
Writer and artist Hannes König, a companion of Valentin’s, set up the collection with the help of several volunteers in 1959, eleven years after the comedian’s death. It is housed in the south tower of the Isartor, which had suffered substantial damage during the war. In those days, it was still called the Valentin Museum. The invitation to the grand opening was a four-kilogram brick (what else?), which had to be presented for entry.
The museum has remained in private ownership since its opening. After the restoration of the Isartor in the 1970s, it became possible to also use the north tower for the exhibition. Over time, König expanded the collection to include works by Liesl Karlstadt, and so the museum was renamed the Valentin-Karlstadt Museum in 2001.
Tip: There are a great many other curiosities to see in the cosy, traditional Turmstüberl café, located in the south tower of the Isartor. However, only those who have already paid the €2.99 entry fee (€1.99 for children) for the museum may enter the café.
Good to know: Munich Card holders are entitled to a reduced admission fee. If one owns the Munich City Pass, the entrance is free of charge. No matter which card you choose, the public transport is included.
