
Munchner Stadtmuseum (City Museum of Munich), Munich
The City Museum is spread across six interconnected buildings. Two of them date back to the 15th century and were originally used as granaries before being converted into the city’s stables and arsenal. During the uprisings of 1848, citizens stormed the arsenal tower—only to discover that the weapons inside had long since rusted and were unusable. In the latter half of the 19th century, that same building became the first exhibition space for what would eventually become the city’s historical museum.
Around that time, a major effort was under way to collect historical artifacts from across Munich—from old inns and churches to hospitals, orphanages, and even pawnshops. More than 1,500 objects were gathered, and a vast collection of Munich-themed etchings was acquired. In 1888, the Museum of History finally, officially opened its doors. As the collection expanded, four new wings were added, and by 1954, it was given its current name.
Today, this institution operates through several specialized departments, each curating its own exhibitions. Alongside permanent displays of weaponry, crafts, folk art, townscapes, and vintage posters, visitors can explore the Puppet Theatre collection, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Photographic Museum, and the Fashion Museum. A dedicated exhibition deals with all aspects of city’s development through over 400 artifacts.
Film lovers will want to stop by the internationally respected Film Museum, known for its rare archive and reconstructions of silent films. Design enthusiasts can dive into the Urban Interiors section. And for those seeking a true highlight, stop by the renowned “Dancing Moors,” ten expressive wooden figures carved by Erasmus Grasser around 1480. Originally created for the ceremonial hall of the Old Town, they remain some of the most treasured pieces within these walls.
Around that time, a major effort was under way to collect historical artifacts from across Munich—from old inns and churches to hospitals, orphanages, and even pawnshops. More than 1,500 objects were gathered, and a vast collection of Munich-themed etchings was acquired. In 1888, the Museum of History finally, officially opened its doors. As the collection expanded, four new wings were added, and by 1954, it was given its current name.
Today, this institution operates through several specialized departments, each curating its own exhibitions. Alongside permanent displays of weaponry, crafts, folk art, townscapes, and vintage posters, visitors can explore the Puppet Theatre collection, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Photographic Museum, and the Fashion Museum. A dedicated exhibition deals with all aspects of city’s development through over 400 artifacts.
Film lovers will want to stop by the internationally respected Film Museum, known for its rare archive and reconstructions of silent films. Design enthusiasts can dive into the Urban Interiors section. And for those seeking a true highlight, stop by the renowned “Dancing Moors,” ten expressive wooden figures carved by Erasmus Grasser around 1480. Originally created for the ceremonial hall of the Old Town, they remain some of the most treasured pieces within these walls.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Munchner Stadtmuseum (City Museum of Munich) on Map
Sight Name: Munchner Stadtmuseum (City Museum of Munich)
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Munich, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Munich
Creating your own self-guided walk in Munich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Souvenir Shops
"Collect moments, not things," wise men say. In reference to travel, this may be interpreted as the prevalence of experiences and memories over material gains. Still, when it comes to travel mementos, albeit material they are, memories and experiences are primarily what these little (or not so little) tokens are all about.
And it would be a pity to leave Munich without bringing home... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
And it would be a pity to leave Munich without bringing home... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Third Reich Munich Walking Tour
In the early decades of the 20th century, Munich became the birthplace of one of history’s darkest political movements. Long before the world knew what was coming, Bavaria’s capital had already laid the groundwork for the rise of the National Socialist German Workers' Party—better known as the Nazi Party.
From 1933 to 1945, the Third Reich took hold of Germany under Adolf Hitler’s... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
From 1933 to 1945, the Third Reich took hold of Germany under Adolf Hitler’s... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Munich Introduction Walking Tour
Set along the banks of the River Isar, just north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is a city steeped in history, where centuries-old buildings meet a rich array of cultural landmarks and modern-day energy.
The first recorded mention dates back to 1158. The name is believed to come from the Old and Middle High German word “munichen”, meaning “by the monks.” It refers to the Benedictine monks... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The first recorded mention dates back to 1158. The name is believed to come from the Old and Middle High German word “munichen”, meaning “by the monks.” It refers to the Benedictine monks... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Munich’s Old Town, known as the Altstadt, unfolds across the western bank of the River Isar—a captivating blend of medieval charm, architectural brilliance, and deep cultural roots. As the historic heart of the Bavarian capital, it’s more than just a preserved district—it is is listed as a historical monument and is a living museum – “where the past harmonizes with the present in a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
12 German-Made Things to Buy in Munich
The Bavarian capital Munich, much as the whole state of Bavaria, form an inseparable part of the German image, although a very unique part in its difference to the rest of the country, including the language. Bavarian beer occupies an important place in German heritage, from the infamous 1920s Beer...
Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Munich
While there are many restaurants and cafes in downtown Munich for a visitor to choose from, by far not all of them are truly worth visiting. Here's the solid list of quality cafes and restaurants that will add greatly to your Munich experience. Each restaurant and cafe featured here offers...