Provenance Research: Bavaria Restitutes Paintings

Restitution of a Painting by the Bavarian State Painting Collections

The expanded restitution law now also includes previously unresolved issues such as dealer goods, foreign sales, and looted art! After 15 years, a decision initially rejected in 2010 has been reversed, and a painting from the circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder was returned to the heirs of Ernst Magnus in early December.

Since July 2025, the newly established Provenance Research Department at the Museum Agency has been responsible for reassessing restitution claims (Deutsch)

Munich. The Bavarian State Painting Collections have reassessed the inheritance case initially rejected in 2010 and have now returned the Renaissance painting "Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child," which can be dated between 1522 and 1525 and originates from the circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder, to the heirs of its former owner, Ernst Magnus (Hanover). The painting was consigned by its former owner to the Fischer Gallery in Lucerne in 1940, and the art dealer Walter Andreas Hofer sold the small-format work to Hermann Göring in 1941. After the end of the Second World War, the work ended up at the Central Collecting Point of the American Allies at Königsplatz and was from there placed in trust by the Bavarian Minister-President. In 1961, the painting "St. Anne with the Virgin and Child" was acquired from Nazi-era collections and entered the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

Alte Pinakothek, rear view, Munich, photo: Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv)

New Assessment Framework for Arbitration in Cases of Nazi-Looted Art in Bavaria

The restitution claim filed by the heirs in 2009, after its rejection in 2010, has now been reviewed based on the new assessment framework for arbitration in cases of Nazi-looted art. This framework governs the examination and decision-making process for dealing with cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution, and restitution has now been granted.

On December 12, Bavarian Minister of Arts Markus Blume commented on the recent decision:

“I am pleased that the clearly defined and expanded criteria catalog of the new assessment framework of the Arbitration Tribunal for Nazi-Looted Art creates the legal prerequisites for the return of the painting ‘Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child’ to the heirs of Ernst Magnus. With the commencement of arbitration proceedings, a new era in the restitution of Nazi-looted art has begun – and its impact extends far beyond the legal process. The assessment framework concretizes the Washington Principles and establishes reliable guidelines. This is an important step forward for contemporary restitution practice. For the first time, previously unresolved issues such as dealer goods, sales abroad, and art seized from abroad are also addressed. It is important to note that there are exceptions to every rule – only in this way can each individual case be assessed. For museums in Bavaria and throughout Germany, this creates the opportunity to re-examine complex issues and to place decisions on a broader, more sustainable foundation.”

Anton Biebl, the director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, commented as follows:

“The decision to return the work to the heirs of Ernst Magnus is a visible sign of the ongoing development of our restitution practices. We are committed to the victims of Nazi injustice and their descendants to making their stories visible and finding just solutions.”

Hannah Cavendish-Palmer, the great-granddaughter of Ernst Magnus, expressed her gratitude with the following words:

‘Thank you to the people of Germany for being willing to listen, remember, and recognize the tragic persecution of my family members and so many others, whose lives were destroyed by the Nazis. Thank you to the Bavarian State Museums for hearing that call and returning the painting. I implore German institutions to continue returning stolen works.’

Ernst Magnus (1871–1942) and his wife Ida originally came from Hesse and lived in Hanover for many years.

Magnus was a director of the Commerz- und Disconto-Bank Hannover, a member of the stock exchange's board of directors, and from 1914 to 1933, a member of the supervisory board of Continental Gummi-Werke AG. Together with his wife, he built up an art collection, advised by an assistant of the art historian, museum expert, and co-founder of modern museum studies, Wilhelm von Bode.

With the rise of the Nazi regime, the family was increasingly disenfranchised. Their accounts were frozen, properties were sold below market value, and they were forced to pay the Jewish property tax and the Reich flight tax. In 1935, due to persecution, Ernst Magnus emigrated to Lausanne, where he was able to take parts of his collection and valuable furnishings with him.

However, to finance the costs of their escape and a visa for Cuba, Magnus was forced to sell further artworks, including "Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child." As asylum regulations in Switzerland became increasingly restrictive, the family managed to leave for Havana via Seville in 1941, where Ernst Magnus died just a few months later, on February 12, 1942. His wife and daughter were able to flee to the USA.

Provenance research in this case demonstrates that the valuation of so-called "refugee property" establishes new facts.

Sales in Switzerland during the Nazi era are often difficult to classify, as they took place under formally free market conditions, but were also frequently dictated by the existential constraints of persecution.

The new valuation framework adopted in 2024 allows for a more nuanced approach: 

It gives greater consideration to the economic hardships faced by emigrants due to persecution by acknowledging that forced sales can also occur outside the territory of the Reich.

For the Bavarian State Painting Collections and the researchers of the newly established Provenance Research Unit at the Museum Agency, this means

...re-evaluating cases like that of Ernst Magnus after more than a decade and critically re-examining decisions even after many years.

At the same time, it is an obligation to further expand provenance research, allocate resources, and communicate the results transparently.

The restitution of the painting "Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child" is thus also a sign that the Bavarian State Painting Collections are taking responsibility and are consistently developing their approach to cultural assets confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution.

Source: The present text and information refer to the press release of the

Bavarian State Painting Collections dated December 12, 2025

Bavarian State Painting Collections: Restitution of a painting by Johannes Koerbecke

 Return of Cultural Property to the Heirs

The Bavarian State Painting Collections are returning the work "The Vision of St. Bernard" by Johannes Koerbecke to the descendants of Ellen Funke

Restitution of a Painting by the Bavarian State Painting Collections (Deutsch)

Munich. As the editorial team was informed today, the Bavarian State Painting Collections are returning the painting "The Vision of St. Bernard" by Johannes Koerbecke to the descendants of Ellen Funke. The artist Johannes Koerbecke (1407-1491) painted the "Vision of St. Bernard" in the third quarter of the 15th century on oak wood (the support measures 94 x 78.7 cm) and is listed in the Bavarian State Painting Collections under inventory number 10644. The work has been registered as Lost Art since 2020 (ID 592322). The Westphalian painter Johann Koerbecke probably painted this altarpiece between 1450 and 1475. It depicts the vision of an unknown monk: he saw the Cistercian abbot Bernard of Clairvaux embracing the crucified Jesus Christ in the Mores Monastery. The work was housed in the Bamberg State Gallery in the New Residence, which is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Now, after "careful and scientifically sound provenance research," the painting has been returned to the heirs. 

 

Evening mood. Bavaria seen from the Theresienwiese, photo: Helga Waess (Cover Kunst-Kultur-Blog)

THE WELS FAMILY AS DESCENDANTS ON RESTITUTION

"We found the Bavarian State Painting Collections and all the staff involved to be open, positive, and dedicated. Therefore, we owe them our special thanks. The painting is now back in the "Alexander Haindorf Collection," which we, as descendants, are reassembling as best we can.

The personal return of the painting was a special and moving moment. We clearly sensed that all the staff of the Bavarian State Painting Collections were very happy about the return and just as moved as we were.

Such a process is often very long and requires expert support. Therefore, we would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Sabine Rudolph (a lawyer specializing in Nazi-looted art)."

ANTON BIEBL ON RESTITUTION

"The Bavarian State Painting Collections and the researchers of the newly established Department for Provenance Research at the Bavarian State Museums Agency are committed to clarifying historical injustices and securing the return of works of art confiscated during the Nazi era. Through careful and scientifically sound provenance research, lost cultural assets are made visible and fair solutions are made possible in the spirit of historical justice," emphasizes Anton Biebl, Director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

Bavarian State Painting Collections: Restitution of 4 Paintings

RESTITUTION OF FOUR MORE PAINTINGS FROM THE BAVARIAN STATE PAINTING COLLECTIONS - September 2, 2025

At the end of August, Minister of Art Markus Blume decided, at the suggestion of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, to restitute four paintings. The Provenance Research Department at the newly established Bavarian State Museums Agency had previously determined that these were Nazi-looted art 

Returns continue the investigation into the collection's history (English, Français, Deutsch)

MUNICH. Four paintings from the holdings of the Bavarian State Painting Collections are being returned to their rightful owners. Research by the Provenance Research Department at the newly established Bavarian State Museums Agency had determined that they were Nazi-looted art. Consequently, at the end of August, Minister of Art Markus Blume, at the suggestion of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, decided to restitute the paintings "Lot and His Daughters" and "Abraham Entertains the Three Angels" by Franz Sigrist the Elder, "At the Inn Table" by Ernst Karl Georg Zimmermann, and "St. Anne the Self-Proclaimed" by Lucas Cranach the Elder. For the work "Young Girl with a Straw Hat" by Friedrich von Amerling, it is proposed that the Arbitration Court for Nazi-Looted Art be referred for a decision. The completion of the research and evaluation of the five works reflects increased transparency and speed in provenance research and restitution, as well as the new beginning for Anton Biebl as Director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections this spring.

Art district in Munich: Pinakothek der Moderne and Alte Pinakothek (bottom right) in Munich, photo:
 Helga Waess (Collage  - Pressefotoarchiv)

MARKUS BLUME AND ANTON BIEBL ON THE RESTITUTIONS

"By returning these four works, we cannot remedy the cruel injustice committed to the owners. But we can attempt to make amends to the victims and send a message: We are working intensively to address the injustice of the Nazi era – since this spring with more speed, more transparency, and more results," emphasizes Minister of Culture Markus Blume. "I am very grateful to Anton Biebl and everyone involved for their dedication to addressing the history of the collection. The establishment of an arbitration court before the end of this year will also further advance the process and ensure a legally sound and fair resolution of contentious cases. Bavaria has vigorously advocated for the introduction of arbitration and will, of course, submit such cases to this court if the other parties agree."

 
"The return of the four paintings is another important step for us in continuing to examine the history of our collection," emphasizes Anton Biebl. "We take the responsibility for thorough provenance research very seriously. It is crucial for us that decisions are made transparently, understandably, and in accordance with international standards. In this way, we ensure that both the legitimate interests of the heirs and the museums' responsibility for preserving cultural heritage are fairly considered.

The Lion case demonstrates how complex restitution issues can be when historical sources allow for different interpretations. This is precisely why we are deliberately proposing the new arbitration tribunal for Amerling's work: Only an independent and neutral body can provide clarity in a contentious case like this."

RESTITUTION TO THE HEIRS OF THE MUNICH-BRAUER LION ART DEALERSHIP

The Bavarian State Painting Collections are returning two paintings by the Austrian artist Franz Sigrist the Elder (1727–1803) to the heirs of the former Munich-based art dealership Brüder Lion: "Lot and His Daughters" and "Abraham Entertaining the Three Angels."

The two small-format Old German works came into the possession of the Bavarian State Painting Collections on December 14, 1936, in exchange for a large-format Impressionist work by the Danish painter Peder Severin Krøyer (1851–1909) – just days before the long-established Brüder Lion Gallery on Munich's Maximiliansplatz was forced to cease operations under pressure from the Nazi authorities. Sigrist's works were proactively researched and have been registered in the Lost Art database since 2020.

The Brothers Lion art gallery was founded by Jakob Lion in 1888. It developed into one of Munich's leading galleries in the 1920s and, by 1935, was among the ten highest-grossing art and antiques dealers in Munich. The Bavarian State Painting Collections acquired works of art there for the first time as early as 1927. In addition to the main gallery with eleven exhibition rooms, the brothers Louis, Hans, and Fritz Lion temporarily operated a branch in Berlin and a seasonal shop in Marienbad. However, with the Nazi seizure of power, their business activities were gradually curtailed until the Munich branch was forced to close at the end of 1936.

RESTITUTION OF THE PAINTING "AT THE INN TABLE" BY ERNST KARL GEORG ZIMMERMANN

The Bavarian State Painting Collections proactively researched the painting "At the Inn Table" by Ernst Karl Georg Zimmermann (1852-1901) and registered it on Lost Art in 2022. The work was acquired from Nazi property. Even though its provenance could not be fully determined, the loss of the Munich art dealer Bertold Jochsberger (1878-1940) due to Nazi persecution is clear. However, it is unclear whether other, still unknown, former owners should be given priority as primary victims. It now remains to be clarified to whom the work should ultimately be returned.

RESTITUTION OF "ST. ANNE SELF-DRIVE" from the Circle of LUCAS CRANACH THE ELDER

In the case of the work "St. Anne Selbdritt" by an anonymous student of Lucas Cranach the Elder, restitution was decided after a re-examination based on the new valuation framework in a so-called refugee property case. This valuation framework, adopted in 2024, allows for a more differentiated assessment: It takes greater account of the economic hardships of emigrants caused by persecution by recognizing that forced sales can also occur outside of the Reich. Ernst Magnus (1973-1942), director of the Commerz- und Disconto-Bank Hannover, persecuted as a Jew, sold the painting in Switzerland. He used the money to finance his family's escape, as all assets in Germany were no longer available.

Arbitration Court for Nazi-Looted Art CAN PROVIDE FINAL CLARIFICATION IN THE CASE OF THE AMERLING PAINTING

Since February 2024, all acquisitions by the Bavarian State Painting Collections from the Brothers Lion art dealership have been thoroughly examined. After intensive research, a claim by Lion's heirs for the return of the painting "Young Girl with a Straw Hat" by Friedrich von Amerling (1803–1887) could not be confirmed. The research results suggest that there is clear and sufficient evidence that the dealership was still able to operate freely on the market at the time of the exchange, and that the transaction can be assumed to have been carried out in the course of "proper, normal business."

The acquisition by exchange had already been agreed upon in 1934 and was completed in January 1935. At that time, a large-format garden scene by the Venetian Ottocento artist Luigi Nono (1850–1918) and a magnificent still life by the Austrian genre painter Max Schödl (1834–1921) were sold to the Brothers Lion art dealership in lieu of cash. Barter transactions with art dealers, private individuals, or other collections were common practice for museums even before the Nazi era when funds were lacking. Following the new valuation framework of the Arbitration Court for Nazi-Looted Art, the evaluation of the research results does not presume a loss due to persecution.

This means that the assessment of the loss due to persecution differs from that of the applicants. A binding and fair resolution of this discrepancy can be achieved through a decision by the Arbitration Court for Nazi-Looted Art, especially since its case law on the criterion of "proper, customary business" is not yet available. This will enable an independent and neutral assessment of the research conducted to date, ensuring the greatest possible transparency and a fair arbitration award that is understandable to all parties. The Free State of Bavaria is thus consciously committed to a transparent process that complies with international standards of restitution practice.

Reappraisal and Provenance Research

The Department of Provenance Research has been located within the newly established Bavarian State Museums Agency since July 2025. The researchers have been systematically working on the holdings of the state museums for decades.

The goal of provenance research is to make the provenance history of all the Free State's collections – especially acquisitions from the Nazi era – transparent and to critically examine them.

The case of the Brüder Lion art dealership demonstrates the particular complexity of provenance research, as many business documents were lost due to persecution and emigration. Reconstructing the acquisition history was therefore only possible with intensive research and the inclusion of numerous sources. In the Magnus case, the decision to return the work to the heirs is a visible sign of the further development of the Free State's restitution practice. The Jochsberger case, in turn, demonstrates the challenges of searching for the current rightful owners.

A further eight works await restitution decisions

Apart from these current restitution decisions, the Provenance Research Department at the Bavarian State Museums Agency, in collaboration with the Bavarian State Painting Collections, is preparing the return of eight further works for which decisions have already been made: Provenance Research.

SOURCE - Press Release:

Media Release from the Bavarian State Painting Collections dated September 2, 2025: "Restitution of four further paintings from the Bavarian State Painting Collections"

 

 

Munich Pinakothek: Acquisition of Hans Baldung Grien

Alte Pinakothek presents a significant new acquisition

The Bavarian State Painting Collections have acquired an outstanding painting from the early 16th century - The purchase of Hans Baldung Grien's "Mary as Queen of Heaven" for the Alte Pinakothek's Old German Painting section is something very special

From 2025, June 5th, this significant new acquisition will be on display as part of the collection presentation "How Pictures Tell Stories - Storytelling from Albrecht Altdorfer to Peter Paul Rubens" - in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich (Deutsch)

Munich. The Bavarian State Painting Collections have acquired an outstanding painting from the early 16th century: Hans Baldung Grien's "Mary as Queen of Heaven." It was one of the last privately owned paintings by this fascinating artist from Dürer's era. The work was acquired with funding from the Pesl Foundation Bavaria, the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation, and the Pinakothek Society. This media release, from which we quote below, reached the editorial team of the art-culture blog yesterday. It's great that the collection has been expanded! We, along with the collection management, are looking forward to the presentation of the painting as part of the exhibition "How Pictures Tell Stories..." starting in June 2025.

Alte Pinakothek bottom right - collage with Pinakothek der Moderne, photo:Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv)

The artist Hans Baldung, known as Grien (1484/85-1545), is one of the most important, yet stylistically most idiosyncratic and original artists of the Renaissance north of the Alps

He came from Albrecht Dürer's Nuremberg workshop and settled in Strasbourg in 1509. His workshop produced a wide range of small-format devotional images, altarpieces, and portraits, as well as mythological and allegorical depictions. His secular, innovative pictorial themes, in addition to his knowledge of established pictorial tradition, demonstrate the influences of humanist thought as well as contemporary theological discourse.

The painting "Mary as Queen of Heaven," newly acquired for Munich,

For stylistic reasons, it can be dated to around 1516/18. The high altar of Freiburg Cathedral, a prestigious major commission for Grien, was also created during these years. He then returned to Strasbourg. It is therefore likely one of the artist's earliest explorations of the subject in the medium of panel painting.

Markus Blume, Minister of State for Science and the Arts, Free State of Bavaria:

"A heavenly addition to Bavaria: Hans Baldung Grien's 'Maria als Himmelskönigin' becomes a Munich resident! We owe the fact that we can permanently admire this outstanding work of Early German painting in the Alte Pinakothek thanks in large part to the work of Maja and Rudolf Pesl. Without much fanfare, the Pesls have quietly shaped Munich's art world, and they have already donated fantastic treasures to Bavaria's art collections in the past. 'Maria als Himmelskönigin' is the first acquisition for the Alte Pinakothek significantly supported by the Pesl Foundation Bavaria – but by no means the last. The Pesl Foundation will continue to facilitate acquisitions for the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, as well as the Bavarian National Museum, in the future. Our gratitude also goes to two other strong partners – the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation and the Pinakothek Association, who once again provided generous support for this acquisition. Patronage has a long tradition in Bavaria – we're proud of that! Together we make great art possible!"

Dr. Thomas Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Pesl Foundation Bavaria:

"The acquisition of Hans Baldung's "Mary as Queen of Heaven" is entirely in keeping with the founder's vision, who, through the foundation's narrow purpose, wanted to ensure the sustainable support of museums through acquisitions of the highest quality. It not only complements the collection, but will enrich it. Being able to acquire such an outstanding work is a rare stroke of luck. Making this possible was both an obligation and a joy for us."

Dr. Martin Hoernes, Secretary General of the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation:

"A superlative acquisition: Hans Baldung, a creative, educated Renaissance man, gave the Queen of Heaven a painterly perfection, striking in color, divine, and sensual appearance. Compliments to the scholars of the State Painting Collections who courageously pursued this acquisition, and to the co-sponsors, who once again demonstrate how important private commitment is for our museums."

Princess Elisabeth zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, Chairwoman of the Pinakothek Association:

"The Pinakothek Association, supported by strong civic engagement, is delighted to have made this important acquisition for the Alte Pinakothek possible together with the two foundations."

Anton Biebl, Interim Director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections:

"The acquisition of Hans Baldung Grien's 'Mary as Queen of Heaven' for the Alte Pinakothek's Old German Painting section is something very special. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Pesl Foundation, the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation, and the Pinakothek Association.

We can celebrate today for another special reason, as from now on we know that the Pesl Foundation is another important partner at the Alte Pinakothek's side. This partnership will enable us to develop an acquisition strategy to consolidate the world-famous collection to the highest standards."

 

 

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen -

Alte Pinakothek München

Adresse: Barer Str. 27, 80333 München

Opening Hours:

• Daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays

Event tip: Special program in the museums of the Bavarian State Painting Collections in Munich

Special program - Bavarian State Painting Collections in Munich

 

February special program at the houses of the Bavarian State Painting Collections

 

All about the tension between art, AI and copyright

 

Munich. The houses of the Bavarian State Painting Collections are inviting you to some exciting events in February.  As part of the special exhibition “Rachel Ruysch – Nature into Art”, a film and music enjoyment awaits visitors in the Alte Pinakothek. But the state painting collections also have a lot to offer online for sofa fans: Enjoy art from home? This can be done in various digital formats such as live chats or workshops. All dates can be found on the website at www.pinakothek.de/programm. In the art culture blog we have an article about the current special exhibition “Rachel Ruysch – Nature into Art” ALTE PINAKOTHEK November 26, 2024 - March 16, 2025 

 

Photo collage: Pinakothek der Moderne and u.re. Alte Pinakothek, photos and collage: Helga Waess (archive)

 

FILM SCREENING | A journey into the realm of nature – “The Great Crawling”
SAT 01.02. | 2 p.m. | Pinakothek der Moderne, Ernst von Siemens Auditorium

A free performance with a short introduction by the curatorial team of the “Rachel Ruysch” exhibition. The fascinating world of insects, plants and flowers comes to life in the film and you experience a microcosm to which the Amsterdam painter Rachel Ruysch dedicated herself in many floral still lifes in the 17th century. After the film screening, you have the opportunity to visit the special exhibition “Rachel Ruysch – Nature into Art” from 4:30 p.m. Art educators can be contacted on site.

•     SAT 01.02. | 2 p.m. | Pinakothek der Moderne, Ernst von Siemens Auditorium | admission free
•     From 4.30 p.m. | Art information in the exhibition in the Alte Pinakothek | An admission ticket is required for the special exhibition “Rachel Ruysch – Nature into Art”.
•     Children and young people up to the age of 18 receive free entry to all houses.
•     Time slot tickets for the “Rachel Ruysch” exhibition at: https://www.pinakothek.de/de/nature-into-art

CONCERT | Between flowers and sound. A concert evening with Erik Bosgraaf
THU 06.02. | Concert starts at 8 p.m. | Exhibition open from 6.30 p.m. | Alte Pinakothek | Special exhibition and room IX 1st floor

"The Dutch recorder virtuoso Erik Bosgraaf has put together a musical bouquet of pieces from her time as a tribute to Rachel Ruysch. The selected works come from Jacob van Eyck, Arcangelo Corelli, Georg Philipp Telemann and Johann Sebastian Bach. Splendor of color and multicoloredness resound in a multi-faceted Program in which the music of the baroque masters unfolds impressively. Finally, Erik Bosgraaf presents the composition “Rachel Ruysch Reimagined,” which he created specifically for this evening.

Before the concert there is the opportunity to take a free tour of the exhibition. In the halls, visitors can talk to our Ciceroni at the “Art Information” and gain exciting insights into the works and works on display."

•     THU 06.02. | Concert starts at 8 p.m. | Exhibition open from 6.30 p.m. | Alte Pinakothek | Special exhibition and room IX 1st floor
•     Admission plus advance booking fee 28 euros | reduced 14 euros
•     VVK at the museum box office of the Alte Pinakothek and via Munich Ticket

SPECIAL | After Work – art, wine and musette
THU 13.02. | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Old Pinacoteca

 "Social hours after work: The jazz label Upstroke Music has designed a special music program for our popular after work series. In the tradition of musette music, baroque melodies can be heard in the exhibition rooms and in the foyer of the Alte Pinakothek, interpreted in a socially acceptable way - sometimes in Trio, sometimes in a duet.

Our Ciceroni accompany the exhibition visit and look forward to an inspiring exchange about the works on display at the “Art Information”. A suitable drink should not be missing here: Garibaldi Munich serves the exclusive wine edition for the exhibition “Rachel Ruysch – Nature into Art” in the foyer.”

•     THU 13.02. | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Old Pinacoteca
•     Tickets available in advance
•     Munich ticket
•     Museum box office of the Alte Pinakothek
•     If necessary, remaining tickets at the box office

DIGITAL - Live Chat - The Neue Pinakothek. 1854 – 1981 – 2029
MON 24.02. at 6.30 p.m

"The New Pinakothek in Munich was built at the behest of Ludwig I of Bavaria and opened in 1854. As a counterpart to the “Older Pinakothek”, it was the first museum for contemporary art on the European continent. Thanks to the legendary director Hugo von Tschudi, shortly before During the First World War, the original building was destroyed in 1981 by Alexander Freiherr von, which is still often admired today Branca, which presented the now largely completed collection as a world-leading gallery of the 19th century, in which, unlike the Alte Pinakothek, sculpture (and now photography) is also represented. The building is currently undergoing a long-term complete renovation and is scheduled to open in 2029 shine in new splendor. Our live chat with Angelika Grepmair-Müller and Jochen Meister from the education and outreach team tells the story of the Neue Pinakothek in Munich in a compact form exemplary works from the online collection."

•     MON 24.02. | 6.30 p.m
•     Register at
•     www.pinakothek.de

DIGITAL | Online workshop | Eccentric drawing
MON 24.02. | 8 p.m. | Pinakothek der Moderne

"Anyone can draw! In this workshop we will approach free drawing together using experimental methods. In doing so, we will playfully free ourselves from blocks and inhibitions when drawing. Inspired by the exhibition ECCENTRIC. AESTHETICS OF FREEDOM, we want to be courageous, free and humorous Find out for yourself what drawings moved out of the center (ex centro) can mean."

•     MON 24.02. | 8 p.m. | Pinakothek der Moderne
•     Limited number of places to participate
•     Register by the day before or the previous working day at:
•     www.pinakothek-der-moderne.de

SPECIAL: Talk as part of “Rachel Ruysch. “Nature into Art”
acatech on Tuesday: AI meets creativity – film art without borders and without rights?

•     TUE 25.02. | 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
•      acatech Forum – House B, Karolinenplatz 4, 80333 Munich

"Generative AI models can create texts, serve as personal assistance - and are increasingly being used to create design elements, from graphics to short clips for social media. Countless tools are publicly available for this purpose, often even free of charge.
These technological developments are accompanied by a variety of changes: On the one hand, completely new opportunities are opening up for artists to express their creativity. Works can be created much faster and more cost-effectively than before. Especially in film, different art forms such as audio elements and visual components, moving and still images merge.
On the other hand, these developments also raise critical questions: What data was used to train the AI ​​models, and is its origin communicated transparently? What else counts as intellectual property when AI tools are used in the creative process? How are copyrights changing in a world in which AI is increasingly shaping things?

We will address these and other questions in the area of ​​tension between art, AI and copyright using the example of film at acatech on Tuesday in cooperation with the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

The event takes place as part of the exhibition “Rachel Ruysch – Nature into Art.”
 

•     TUE 25.02. | 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
•      acatech Forum – House B, Karolinenplatz 4, 80333 Munich
•     Participation free of charge.
•     Registration required under AI meets art

SPECIAL | Eccentricity – expression of the non-conformist | Reading and drag performance
THU 27.02. | 6:00 p.m. | Pinakothek der Moderne

"The volunteer-run bookstore glitch and the education and mediation of the Pinakothek der Moderne invite you to a special reading as part of the exhibition ECCENTRIC. AESTHETICS OF FREEDOM. Experience how the boundaries between art, self-dramatization and social norms are broken when Perry Stroika in takes the stage for a rousing drag performance.

glitch (non-profit volunteer-run queerfeminist bookstore) brings together literary perspectives on the topic of eccentricity and opens the space for a lively examination of otherness - in dialogue, in performance and in art."

•     THU 27.02. | 6:00 p.m. | Pinakothek der Moderne
•     Participation free of charge | No registration necessary

OPENING HOURS of the houses of the Bavarian State Painting Collections

•     Alte Pinakothek Daily except Mon | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | TUE, WED 10 a.m.-8 p.m   
•     New Pinakothek Closed due to renovation work   
•     Pinakothek der Moderne Daily except MO | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | THU 10 a.m.-8 p.m   
•     Museum Brandhorst Daily except Mon | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | THU 10 a.m.-8 p.m   
•     Collection Schack MI-SO | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m   

    
(Quotes from the press release of the Bavarian State Painting Collections from January 24, 2025)

 

 

Munich - Pinakotheken - January 2025

Munich - Pinakotheken - exhibitions December 2024 and January 2025

Exhibitions at the turn of the year and in January 2025 - in the Alte Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Museum Brandhorst and the Schack Collection

Every visitor to Munich should have seen Königsplatz and the art area - and the museum is a wonderful place to relax with top-class art

Munich. The New Year is fast approaching, so you should still plan a visit to a museum: If you are in Munich these days, you should treat yourself to a break in one of the city's large museums. Almost every house also has a coffee place to relax and a museum shop that offers something to take home with small souvenirs for those staying at home or exhibition and collection catalogs. The Pinakotheks in the art area of ​​Munich's Maxvorstadt are part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections - as is the Schack Collection - and bring together the most renowned art collections worldwide.  We briefly introduce them below and show the exhibition program of the houses at the end of the year and for January 2025. As Munich's museum district, the art area offers a diverse exhibition culture that every tourist should have seen. The Maxvorstadt district with the Pinakotheks and numerous art galleries can be easily reached from Munich's Königsplatz (stop U2 or bus 100).

Pinakothek der Moderne (top) and Alte Pinakothek (bottom right) - photo collage: Helga Waess

The Pinakothek der Moderne

The Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich's art area - on Barer Straße - was opened over 20 years ago and combines four museums in one. Works from the fields of art, graphics, architecture and design are shown here - this museum is one of the largest collection houses in Europe.

The Neue Pinakothek in Munich

This museum of 19th century European art is located in the Munich art area. The Neue Pinakothek shows works that, in terms of history, lie between the core collections of the Alte Pinakothek with its Old Masters and the Pinakothek der Moderne with the art of the 20th and 21st centuries

The Neue Pinakothek will probably be completely renovated by 2029. Part of the collection is currently on display in the Alte Pinakothek (see exhibition list below).

The Alte Pinakothek in Munich

The Alte Pinakothek brings together more than 700 paintings by famous Old Masters - including works by Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, Albrecht Altdorfer, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Peter Paul Rubens. The masterpieces of art history are on display in over 19 halls and 47 cabinets, among other things, in special exhibitions (see exhibition list below).

 The Schack Collection

The Schack Collection (located in the Lehel district) houses a renowned collection of paintings and is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The collection of Count Adolf Friedrich von Schack brings together paintings by well-known painters of the 19th century.

Location:

    Schack Collection, Prinzregentenstraße 9, 80538 Munich

Opening hours:

•     Wednesday to Sunday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
•     Mondays and Tuesdays - closed

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 


Old Pinacoteca

ALTE MEISTER IN BEWEGUNG -  Sammlungspräsentation

• bis 29. März 2025 
• in der Alten Pinakothek in München
• Alte Pinakothek - Obere Galerie    

RUBENS, BRUEGHEL UND DIE BLUMENKRANZMADONNA   - All Eyes On

• bis 12. Januar 2025 
•  Alte Pinakothek
•  Saal VIII 

VON TURNER BIS VAN GOGH 

MEISTERWERKE DER NEUEN PINAKOTHEK IN DER ALTEN PINAKOTHEK    

• 18.12.2024 — 31.12.2026
• Alte Pinakothek - Sammlungspräsentation 
• Erdgeschoss Ostflügel

RACHEL RUYSCH – NATURE INTO ART 

• bis 16. März 2025 
• Alte Pinakothek
•  Erdgeschoss Westflügel 

Sammlung Schack 

SPITZENTREFFEN – WERKE DER NEUEN PINAKOTHEK IN DER SAMMLUNG SCHACK     

ECCENTRIC. ÄSTHETIK DER FREIHEIT  

• bis 27. April 2025 
• Sammlung Schack    

Pinakothek der Moderne

MIX & MATCH. DIE SAMMLUNG NEU ENTDECKEN    

• bis 31. Dezember 2025 
• Pinakothek der Moderne 
• Säle 1-17, 27-33, 35 |  

VISUAL INVESTIGATIONS. ZWISCHEN AKTIVISMUS, MEDIEN UND GESETZ  

• bis 09. Februar 2025
• Pinakothek der Moderne 

ALMUT HEISE  

• bis 04. Januar 2025   
• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Graphik 

DEN MENSCHEN VOR AUGEN. KÜNSTLERISCHE STRATEGIEN SEINER DARSTELLUNG IN ITALIENISCHEN ZEICHNUNGEN 1450-1750 

• bis 04. Januar 2025
• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Graphik

SOCIAL SEATING 

• bis 11. Mai 2025 
• Rotundenprojekt Nr. 9  
• Pinakothek der Moderne 
•  Design  

NGOZI-EMEJE EZEMA – BOUNDLESS VASES

• bis 11. Mai 2025
• Rotundenprojekt Nr. 10 
• Pinakothek der Moderne 
•  Design   

KITCHEN CULTURE. VON DER ERSTEN EINBAUKÜCHE BIS ZUR INDIVIDUELL KONFIGURIERTEN KÜCHE 

• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Design   

DIE FARBE VON GLAS  

• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Design   

WO DIE WILDEN STRICHE WOHNEN 

• bis 26. Januar 2025 
• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Design  

PAULA SCHER. TYPE IS IMAGE    

• bis 21. September 2025   
• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Design 

DAS FAHRRAD – KULTOBJEKT – DESIGNOBJEKT    

• bis 01. April 2025 
• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Design 

INS FREIE   

• 26. Januar 2025
• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Design

X-D-E-P-O-T     

• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Design   

Museum Brandhorst 

ANDY WARHOL & KEITH HARING. PARTY OF LIFE   

• bis 26. Januar 2025  
• Museum Brandhorst 

NEUE HIGHLIGHTS AUS DER SAMMLUNG BRANDHORST  

• bis 16. Februar 2025 
• Museum Brandhorst  

ALEX KATZ: PORTRÄTS UND LANDSCHAFTEN   

• bis 16. Februar 2025  
• Museum Brandhorst 

BRANDHORST FLAG COMMISSION: LILY VAN DER STOKKER   

• bis 15. März 2025 
• Museum Brandhorst  

CY TWOMBLY IM MUSEUM BRANDHORST    

• Museum Brandhorst  

OPENING HOURS   

Old Pinacoteca                            

     Every day except Monday | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | TUE, WED 10 a.m.-8 p.m   


New Pinakothek                          

    Closed for renovation work   


Pinakothek der Moderne             

    Every day except Monday | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | THU 10 a.m.-8 p.m    

Bavarian State Painting Collections: Giorgione discovered

The Christmas Miracle in Munich: A celebration of art history!

A Christmas miracle in the Bavarian State Painting Collections: "Giorgione discovered"

Research group discovers a forgotten work by Giorgione! (Italiano, Deutsch)

Munich. An interdisciplinary research group has discovered a forgotten work of art by Girogione as part of the inventory of Venetian Renaissance paintings within the Bavarian State Painting Collections. After extensive art-historical and art-technological investigations, the researchers from the team from the Alte Pinakothek and the Doerner Institute in Munich were able to consolidate their knowledge that a "mysterious double portrait", which was part of the exhibition "Venezia 500. The gentle revolution of Venetian painting" ( Alte Pinakothek, October 27, 2023 – February 4, 2024) was on display and has been on display since 2011 was presented in the Green Gallery of the Munich Residence, a personal creation by Giorgio da Castelfranco (1473/74–1510), called Giorgione! Particularly exciting: there are also different signatures. The work will now be shown permanently in the Alte Pinakothek. Giorgione, who died young, revolutionized Renaissance painting. Research report online -  free of charge - as PDF (see below): www.amjournal.org/publications/54 (copy link into browser)
 

Pinakothek der Moderne Back of the Alte Pinakothek (bottom right) - photos and collage: Helga Waess

The press release from the Bavarian State Painting Collections states:

"The famous artist biographer Giorgio Vasari saw the painting in 1568 in the palazzo of the Florentine banking family Borgherini and described it as a portrait of the young Giovanni Borgherini with his teacher from Venice. In fact, the head of the humanist portrayed corresponds to the traditional appearance of the Venetian polymath Trifone Gabriele, one of his students Giovanni Borgherini demonstrably counted with an astrolabe and compass, which is also demonstrated by contemporary sources Teachers of astronomy and cosmology, proven scholars in the Munich portrait show how heaven and earth can be measured, while the youthful Giovanni with his soft curls and dark eyes corresponds to the ideal of musical-intellectual longing that characterized the Venetian portrait culture of these years.

Art-technological investigations made it possible to determine the materials used by the artist, the diversity of which reflects the wide range offered by Venetian paint dealers, and also brought to light a literally multi-layered creative process. Using imaging and material analysis methods, including, above all, macro-X-ray fluorescence scans of the front and back of the picture, three further compositions were revealed beneath the visible representation: a brush drawing of the biblical scene of the twelve-year-old Jesus among the scribes, above which is reminiscent of Giorgione's famous Tempesta Landscape scene and finally the portrait of a richly dressed figure, whose robe probably came from the Nasrid Emirate of Granada. As cross-section samples show, all four compositions were created in direct succession. The technological investigations provide rare insights into the working methods of an uncompromisingly innovative artist. At the same time, the image inventions testify to the painter's joy of experimentation and ambition, who competed with Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer with his virtuoso brush drawing, who sought a dialogue with the poetic creations of his contemporaries with the painted fantasy of an Arcadian landscape and whose detailed eye for a Fabric patterns from Moorish Spain reflect the Venetian openness in cultural exchange with the Islamic world. Taken together, the findings result in a very strong chain of evidence, the evidentiary value of which for the attribution to Giorgione is essentially supported by the discovery or reinterpretation of the sources that have been preserved on the provenance and collection history." (Press release from the Bavarian State Painting Collections, dated December 18, 2024)

Art Minister Markus Blume emphasizes the Christmas miracle inherent in this discovery

“The discovery of a Giorgione in the Bavarian State Painting Collections is a true Christmas miracle! A Giorgione is not only spectacular for the Alte Pinakothek, but also a highlight for the international art world. I would like to thank the interdisciplinary team of scientists from the Alte Pinakothek and the Doerner Institute in Munich for making this discovery possible with their ingenuity, precise research and state-of-the-art analysis technology.”

Andreas Schumacher, head of the collection for Italian painting at the Alte Pinakothek

“Giorgione's multi-layered double portrait brings together everything that represented the cultural flowering of Venice in the early 16th century... The discovery of this masterpiece is thanks to the precision of two young scientists, Johanna Pawis and Anneliese Földes, who we are able to employ thanks to generous funding for our project. The painting is of inestimable value, it is a spectacular stroke of luck for the Alte Pinakothek and a sensation for Italian art history. A Giorgione under the Christmas tree is more than winning the lottery!”

Eva Ortner, director of the Doerner Institute

“Our recipe for success is close interdisciplinary teamwork directly on the work of art, in direct exchange between art history, restoration and natural sciences, at eye level and with the greatest permeability between the disciplines...”

Bernhard Maaz, General Director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, concludes:

“Museums, by their very nature, are not just places of cultural education, mediation and communication. They are also research institutions. Our own holdings are examined with the greatest care, which in this case was made possible by the generosity of many sponsors. My heartfelt thanks go to the German Research Foundation, the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation and the Hubert Burda Foundation.”

 

A publication on the topic "Double Portrait Attributed to Giorgione"

The original painting can be viewed in the Alte Pinakothek: Giorgio da Castelfranco, called Giorgione (1473/74–1510), portrait of Giovanni Borgherini and Trifone Gabriele, 1509/10, canvas, 91.5 x 67 cm, inv . No. 7452 - Munich, Bavarian State Painting Collections, Alte Pinakothek

"The research results, which are nothing less than a sensation for the art history of Italian Renaissance painting, are now being presented to the public in a freely accessible online publication": https://www.amjournal.org/publications/54

The results, thanks to which another work by Giorgione can now be seen in the Alte Pinakothek in addition to the portrait of a young man (around 1505/10), have now been published in detail and with all the art technology images in the international open access magazine ArtMatters: One Canvas, Four Ideas: A Double Portrait Attributed to Giorgione With Different Compositions Underneath | in: ArtMatters:

• Anneliese Földes, Johanna Pawis, Heike Stege, Eva Ortner, Andreas Schumacher, Jan Schmidt, Jens Wagner, Andrea Obermeier: One Canvas, Four Ideas. A Double Portrait Attributed to Giorgione With Different Compositions Underneath, in: ArtMatters. International Journal for technical art history, volume 9, issue 1, S. 1–33.

Multi-year research project

The multi-year research project led by Andreas Schumacher and Eva Ortner is generously supported by the GERMAN FORSCHUNGSGEMEINSCHAFT (DFG), the ERNST VON SIEMENS KUNSTSTIFTUNG and the HUBERT BURDA STIFTUNG.

• For further information see: Venetian painting of the Renaissance in the Alte Pinakothek.

Source and quotes: 

Press release from the Bavarian State Painting Collections, dated December 18, 2024

Munich: Exhibition tip Rubens and Brueghel in the Alte Pinakothek

Munich exhibition tip Alte Pinakothek

Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel the Elder Ä. and the painting of “Madonna in a Wreath of Flowers”, around 1616/18, is now being presented in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich

Alte PINAKOTHEK in ROOM VIII from July 9th, 2024 - JANUARY 12th, 2025

 
Munich. ALL EYES ON Collection presentation “Rubens, Brueghel and the Flower Wreath Madonna” in the Alte Pinakothek. Everyone knows their names because they are among the most famous painters in Europe. But their work in teamwork, their interaction or as they say their co-working is not known to many. Teamwork among artists already existed in the 17th century. The master of the brush Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) created monumental historical paintings with some larger-than-life figures and Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568-1625), also called Bumenbrueghel, was not only the specialist in fine landscape paintings and still lifes with flowers and insects, no , he was also open to collaborative works with other great artists. The two great artists in art history worked together to create a magnificent “Madonna in a Wreath of Flowers”, which will be exhibited in all detail including the creation process from this summer. How did Rubens and Brueghel work together and how did they remain two independent personalities?

 

Alte Pinakothek in Munich - back with construction scars, photo: Helga Waess (press archive)

Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel the Elder Ä. and the painting of the "Madonna in a wreath of flowers, around 1616/18 in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich

"The presentation traces the sequence of work steps and reveals discarded image ideas as well as new creative solutions. Detailed photos document the high artistic quality of the painting.

ALL EYES ON stages a work or group of works, an important artist personality or artistic position, guest appearances of individual loans, important restorations or new acquisitions in the middle of the gallery. The artistic and technical qualities of the paintings, content and meaning, their history of creation and impact, and their creators are examined in the context of the collection. This opens up new, current perspectives and diverse insights into the research work at the Bavarian State Painting Collections. ... We would like to thank the Herbert Schuchardt Foundation for supporting the exhibition and mediation. " (Press release - Bavarian State Painting Collections)

Further information about the work and the program: (copy link into browser)

•     www.pinakothek.de/de/rubens-brueghel-und-die-blumenkranzmadonna

ACCOMPANYING PROGRAM

Accompanying the ALL EYES ON collection presentation “Rubens, Brueghel and the Flower Wreath Madonna”

Art education offer

•     ART INFORMATION SUN 12.00 – 16.00

 

    ONLINE TOURS

• MON October 21, 2024 | December 16, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Live Chat Online Tour

Register at programm@pinakothek.de

 

    TOURS WITH THE CURATOR

• MON November 18th, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Live chat online tour with Mirjam Neumeister

Register at programm@pinakothek.de

•     TUE December 3rd, 2024, 6:30 p.m. One hour with Mirjam Neumeister

 

 
IN THE TEAM: DIALOGUE TOURS

•     TUE October 29, 2024, 6:30 p.m. One hour with Mirjam Neumeister and Jan Schmidt
•     TUE January 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m. One hour with Mirjam Neumeister and Jan Schmidt

 

FAMILY TOURS

•     SUN 10/13/2024 | November 24, 2024, 11 a.m. | Family management

 

OPEN PARTICIPATION ACTIONS for the Flower Wreath Madonna

•     SUN November 17, 2024 | 11/24/2024 | 12/01/2024 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Advent wreath making for young and old

Without registration | Entry possible at any time

Meeting point: In front of the main entrance in the outdoor area

Material fee: 8 euros per wreath

 

•     SUN Oct 27, 2024 | 12/01/2024 | January 5th, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | We are family: Workshop for families

For families with children aged 6 and over
Without registration

Children and young people under 18 receive free entry Entry possible at any time

Meeting point: Hall XI

 

    SUN Oct 6, 2024 | November 17, 2024, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. | With all your senses


On these Sundays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. a surprising event awaits you in the collection to experience the Flower Wreath Madonna emotionally.
Participation included in the admission price
Entry possible at any time

 Without registration

 

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
IN THE
ALTEN PINAKOTHEK IN MUNICH

 

• FEBRUARY 18 – JULY 6, 2025

FRANÇOIS BOUCHER, RESTING GIRL

•  JULY 29, 2025 - JANUARY 11, 2026

ALL EYES ON - FRAMES MAKE PICTURES