Neue
Pinakothek
The 19th-century collection — from Goya to Cézanne. Opened in 1981 as successor to the first building, erected by Voit in 1853 and destroyed in the war. Architect: Alexander Freiherr von Branca (the reconstruction). Closed since 2018 for major refurbishment.
A varied building history
The first Neue Pinakothek was built 1846–1853 by Friedrich von Voit for King Ludwig I — as the world's first collection of contemporary art, specifically for the 19th century. It stood to the south of the Alte Pinakothek. Severely damaged in the bombing war of 1944; the ruin was demolished in 1949.
The present building was designed by Alexander Freiherr von Branca, built 1975–1981 — a free-standing solitaire with a postmodern travertine façade and skilful interior circulation. His concept: natural light guidance through the gallery halls, walls as stacked horizontal bands, a courtyard with a fountain.
In 2018 the Neue Pinakothek was closed because of extensive structural defects; it has been undergoing major refurbishment ever since — reopening postponed (as of 2026 still uncertain). The main works are on temporary display at the Alte Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne.
The collection
Main works: Vincent van Gogh — Sunflowers, Édouard Manet, Caspar David Friedrich, Eugène Delacroix, Gustav Klimt, Paul Cézanne, Auguste Rodin. Admission on Sundays 1 euro.
More in the
Museum Quarter.
The other buildings of the area — galleries, museums, classicism, industrial history.