Antike in Bayern: Ausstellungsraum der Antikensammlung am Königsplatz in München
Ave Bavaria!

Eight museums and archaeological parks await fans of the ancient Romans and Greeks in the "Antiquity in Bavaria" network. The network also includes the Antikensammlung and the Glyptothek in Munich where we met curator Astrid Fendt.

Reading time: 11 minutes

Antiquity in Bavaria 

The Romans left many exciting traces not only in the Mediterranean region, but also in southern Germany and especially in Bavaria. In the museums and archaeological parks of the "Antike in Bavaria" network visitors can experience excavation sites and archaeological finds such as coins, clay vessels and jewellery, as well as monumental buildings, sculptures, friezes and ships.

Even as a child, Dr. Astrid Fendt was always interested in history, but after school she initially completed an apprenticeship as a stonemason. In the process, her love for ancient stones grew, and she went on to study classical archaeology and art history.

Later, she spent some time working on Berlin's Museum Island and then began her work at the Königsplatz in Munich. She shared with us why she thinks her museums are so special and what tips she has for things to do in Munich and the surrounding region.

Antike in Bayern: Dr. Astrid Fendt am Monopteros im Englischen Garten in München
Antike in Bayern: Die Faszination für die Antike ist bei Dr. Astrid Fendt immer weitergewachsen

Sunlight is let in through large windows. It falls on plain brick walls and impressive vaults and on marble figures, some of which are larger than life. Dr. Astrid Fendt, curator at the Antikensammlung and the Glyptothek in Munich, loves these rooms.

"This museum is a great introduction to the world of ancient art for visitors," she says during the tour. "The special light, the big, old halls, the sculptures; I sometimes feel like I'm in Italy or Greece in the Glyptothek."

Ancient square in the heart of Munich

The two world-famous museum buildings of the Glyptothek and the Antikensammlungen on Munich's Königsplatz hint at their collections even from the outside. King Ludwig I, who was passionate about antiquity, had them built by the famous architects Leo von Klenze and Georg Friedrich Ziebland in the 19th century and their facades, with their different types of columns, are reminiscent of Greek temples.

That's why the square in the state capital doesn’t seem like it is part of Upper Bavaria, but rather like an ancient forum or a Greek agora. "Ludwig I, however, was not only the developer, he was also a passionate collector. We owe a large part of the treasures here to him," says Fendt. And to this day, the spacious, green, and open square is a popular destination for Munich residents during the day and in the evening.

Antike in Bayern: Die Fassade der Glyptothek erinnert an griechische Tempel

During the tour, the expert tells us that Munich has even more interesting buildings inspired by antiquity. The Siegestor (Victory Gate) in Schwabing, for example, or the Monopteros in the English Garden.

We ask her which exhibits you shouldn't miss in Munich's two museums. "Oh, there are quite a few," the curator says with a laugh. "Making a choice is quite difficult," she says. "In the Antikensammlungen, where we primarily show vases, terracottas, bronzes, and jewellery, I recommend seeing the drinking bowl by the Brygos painter depicting a dancing maenad.

In the Glyptothek, which is our sculpture collection, you should see the Barberine Faun, a larger-than-life marble figure. It shows a naked young man leaning against a rock, half asleep. To me, the Faun embodies everything one associates with the pleasurable side of antiquity. " 

Antike in Bayern: Trinkschale des Brygos-Malers mit Darstellung einer tanzenden Mänade

Democracy and pleasure culture

Astrid Fendt's fascination with antiquity has grown over the years. Philosophy, democracy, trade routes, a convivial culture of enjoyment with wine and culture; Astrid Fendt explains in guided tours that Romans, Etruscans and Greeks were pioneers for much of what we love today

"I'm impressed by what masterpieces the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans were capable of at the time with their simple means. They really set standards."

But the scientist also does not conceal how arduous everyday life was for the “regular people." She has great respect for that, too. "Because you tend to forget that when you look at these great works of art."

Info on the Antikensammlung and the Glyptothek: antike-am-koenigsplatz.de

Antike in Bayern: Dr. Astrid Fendt im Szenetreff

... by Astrid Fendt

City walk Munich
I recommend a stroll through Schwabing, where I live. In the Hohenzollern- and Kaiserstraße you can visit fun and fancy stores and galleries. Afterwards, I like to walk towards the English Garden to stop by Fräulein Müller, which is a trendy hangout, for a drink.
muenchen.travel

Villa Stuck
I really like Villa Stuck which is the Art Nouveau artists' house that the sculptor Franz von Stuck had built in 1897/98. In addition to special exhibitions, you can see works by Stuck, who was a fan of antiquity. The first Friday of the month is Friday Late. Starting at 6 pm there is free admission, food and culture. It's really fun and I've been there myself.
villastuck.de (only in German)

Osterseen
I really like the clear Osterseen, which are located south of Lake Starnberg. You can swim there and there are several hiking tours to choose from. I always like to get something from the kiosk Seemadames
Osterseen

All "antiquity" museums at a glance:

  • Antikensammlungen and Glyptothek,Munich
    The museum buildings look reminiscent of Greek temples. On display at Königsplatz are sculptures, vases, terracottas, bronzes and jewellery.
    Antikensammlungen and Glyptothek

     
  • Archäologische Staatssammlung, Munich
    Valuable treasures of antiquity in Bavaria. It reopend in 2024 and offers permanent exhibitions and changing special exhibitions.
    Archäologische Staatssammlung

     
  • Pompejanum, Aschaffenburg
    Replica of a Pompeian residence by Ludwig I. Original Roman artworks and special exhibitions can also be seen.
    Pompejanum

     
  • Celtic-Roman Museum, Manching
    The highlights are two Roman military shipsthat were found in the region. The museum also displays the largest known Celtic gold treasure.
    Celtic-Roman Museum, Manching

     
  • Roman Museum, Weißenburg
    The valuable Weissenburg Roman treasure was not found until 1979. Roman Weißenburg is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes (ORL).
    Roman Museum (only in German)
     
  • Archaeological Park Cambodunum, Kempten
    Guests can experience an excavation site of the Roman provincial capital. The remains of the temple district, the thermal baths and the forum with basilica can be seen.
    Archaeological Park Cambodunum (only in German)

     
  • Roman Museum/Roman Camp in the Armory, Augsburg
    Exciting finds from the region. The exhibition "Roman Camp - Roman Augsburg in Boxes" in the Zeughaus.
    Roman Museum/Roman Camp in the Armory (only in German)
     
  • Martin von Wagner Museum of the Würzburg University
    The extremely rich collection of small artefacts from Egypt, Greece, Etruria and the Roman Empire invites visitors to explore the ideas of these ancient cultures about life, the world and its challenges through images.
    martinvonwagner-museum.com (only in German)

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