A Quick Tour Of The Best Art Museums In Germany

Beer halls, bratwurst, lederhosen—these may be the first things you think of when you plan a trip to Germany. However, while the country prides itself on its celebratory air, it also offers visitors a wealth of serious landmarks. In particular, fantastic art museums may be found in each major city. Here is a brief introduction to some of the very best:

Staatliche Museen zu Berlin – Berlin

No trip to Berlin would be complete without a visit to this institution. It is actually a collection of seventeen museums, divided into five clusters in the city centre. Some of the most popular include the Pergamon Museum and the Museum of Prints and Drawings. The first is known for its religious artifacts, while the second honors everyone from Sandro Botticelli to Andy Warhol.

Berlinische Galerie – Berlin

This Berlin-centric art gallery is housed within a Modernist structure that was once a glass warehouse. It focuses on German masters like Max Libermann and members of the Berlin Secessionist and Expressionist movement.  Enjoy traditional art forms and multimedia installations. What’s more, the gallery’s central location places it near many popular hotels in Berlin (like the Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre and the Park Inn Berlin-Alexanderplatz.)

Lettl-Atrium Museum for Surreal Art – Augsburg

Fans of surrealism should not miss the opportunity to visit this museum. Not only does it house Wolfgang Lettl’s most famous works, but it also welcomes pieces by other masters—like Gertraud Dinzinger’s evocative statue, “Der Kandidat.” Before you go, browse nearby hotels in Augsburg.

Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen – Düsseldorf

The primary arts collection of North Rhine-Westphalia includes sculptures, installations, drawings and photographs. The K20 collection shows off classical modern art and is an especially popular attraction. Don’t miss the amazing pieces by Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock on display.

Recommended hotels in Düsseldorf: Hotel Nikko Düsseldorf, Air Hotel Wartburg

Museum Ludwig – Cologne

This is where you will find one of the most comprehensive collections of 20^th century and contemporary art. Famous pieces on display include Brillo Boxes by Andy Warhol, Maybe by Roy Lichtenstein, and literally hundreds of iconic paintings by Pablo Picasso. Among the many nearby hotels in Cologne are the Star am Dom and the Hotel Santo.

Museum Folkwang – Essen

One of the country’s largest collectors of 19^th- and 20^th-century art, this museum is home to a number of important pieces. They include Porträt des Armand Roulin by Vincent van Gogh, Lise mit Schirm by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Faure als Hamlet by Edouard Manet. The museum also enjoys a partnership with the Deutsche Plakat Museum. And, of course, you know where to go to find fabulous hotels in Essen!