Staatliche Antikensammlungen, Archaeological museum at Königsplatz, Munich, Germany
The Staatliche Antikensammlungen is a museum on the south side of Königsplatz in Munich, built by Georg Friedrich Ziebland between 1838 and 1848 as a Corinthian temple. Eight Corinthian columns carry the portico, the pediment is crowned by a phoenix, and a high stone stair with a central ramp rises to the recessed entrance. Two flat wings with grey walls and pilasters flank the portico.
The building was erected between 1838 and 1848 by Georg Friedrich Ziebland on behalf of King Ludwig I, as a counterpart to the Glyptothek on the opposite side of Königsplatz. It first served as the Royal Art Exhibition Building. From 1869 to 1872 it housed the royal antiquarium, from 1898 to 1912 the Munich Secession, and from 1919 the New State Gallery. Damaged in World War II, it reopened in 1967 as the Staatliche Antikensammlungen.
The museum's name reflects its status as Bavaria's state collection of Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities. Many vases carry the signatures of their makers, such as Exekias and the Andokides Painter, treated as artworks in antiquity. A Roman reticella glass goblet from Cologne bears the Latin toast BIBE MULTIS ANNIS, a gift to King Ludwig I for his support in completing Cologne Cathedral.
The museum sits near public transport links and opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, with extended hours until 20:00 on Wednesdays. Plan to spend several hours exploring the galleries at a relaxed pace, especially if you want to read the object descriptions and absorb the details.
The Roman reticella glass goblet from Cologne, made in the 4th century AD, carries the Latin toast BIBE MULTIS ANNIS ("Drink thou for many years!"). Cologne gave it to King Ludwig I in thanks for his support in completing Cologne Cathedral. The Etruscan head vessel showing the death demon Charun (400–350 BC) is another piece easily passed by.
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