Glyptothek

The Glyptothek is a museum for Greek and Roman sculptures at Königsplatz in Munich, housed in a neoclassical building with marble walls and columns. The structure follows classical proportions and presents these ancient artworks in a setting that matches their historical importance.

The museum was commissioned by King Ludwig I between 1816 and 1830 and designed by architect Leo von Klenze. It was built as part of a plan to make Munich a leading art city.

The name comes from the Greek word for carved work and refers to the ancient sculpture collection that has drawn visitors since opening. You can see the same art form that once decorated temples and public spaces in antiquity.

The building has several galleries on different levels that form a natural route through the collection. It works best to move slowly and spend time with individual works, as each is carefully presented in its own niche.

The interior was originally decorated with colorful frescoes and stucco work by Peter von Cornelius and Wilhelm von Kaulbach. These elaborate decorations were damaged during World War II, which changed how visitors experience the artworks compared to the original design.

Location: Munich

Location: Germany

Inception: 1830

Architects: Leo von Klenze

Official opening: 1816

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Operator: Staatliche Antikensammlungen und Glyptothek

Address: Königsplatz 3

Opening Hours: Monday off; Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00-17:00; Thursday 10:00-20:00; Friday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +4989286100

Website: http://antike-am-koenigsplatz.mwn.de/de/glyptothek-muenchen.html

GPS coordinates: 48.14656,11.56582

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:13