PART I - New Art, New Architecture & New Art Supplies
According to the free map guide at the obtained at the entryway, the original Neue Pinakothek or "new picture gallery" was constructed between 1846-1853 by Frederick von Gartner. It was purposefully laid out parallel to the Alte Pinakothek and in a similar longitudinal plan. This gallery for the contemporary art of the time was so badly damaged in World War II that it was razed in l949.
The new house for contemporary art in Munich was not planned until 1969 by Alexander von Braca, who won the architectural competition for his elegant plans. The spectacular contemporary layout of today’s Neue Pinakothek provides a fresh contrast to the stern symmetry of the Alte Pinakothek, which lies directly across the green space bisected by Theresien Strasse. The pleasant green space is a mini-gallery in its own right as it is dotted with a dozen or so abstract contemporary and historic sculptures set amidst lush trees with welcoming shaded benches.
From an architect’s standpoint, I was wowed as I ascended the wide steps at the entrance of the Neue, where I met a solid glass wall accented by tall stone pillars. Inside the cool, dim interior vestibule, the information desk staffed with friendly staff can arrange a guided tour or provide a free brochure and audio guide (both available all the major languages) with your 3.50€ admission price.
To the left of Information, a glass-walled book and gift gallery boasted a very comprehensive art and architecture book collection (in several languages), reprints, souvenirs, postcards, trinkets, well-crafted reproduction statues, and such an impressive art-supply offering I still dream about it, wishing I had purchased more of the rare finds.
The free audio guide is a great guide if you have only a quick, cursory tour in mind. Since I saw that the architecture and art offerings promised to be numerous and rich, I opted to spend the day. As the guided tours were only on M-W-F (it was Sat.), I sprang for the slick, efficient-looking Prestel Museum Guide for 9€. This compact book was packed with details about Munich’s treasures for a self-guided leisurely stroll. I was pleasantly surprised to find that even the most discerning of art fanciers could find something here to see. The collections ranged from German Romanticism, Gründerzeit (Industrial Period Art), Barbizon School, to a large, notable French Impressionist assembly and a wide choice of International paintings and sculpture executed after the 1900s.
CONTINUED IN PART II