Bier- und Oktoberfestmuseum
Museum of Munich's beer culture and Oktoberfest (Wiesn) history in one of the city's oldest townhouses, with the Museumsstüberl tavern on the first floor.
About the museum
The house at Sterneckerstraße 2, in the old town quarter near the Isartor, is one of the oldest surviving townhouses in Munich. It was built in 1346, after a great city fire, initially as a two-story brick building. It was extensively renovated in the 15th century, the period from which the so-called Gothic Room (Gotische Stube) dates. From 1595 two more stories were added, together with the steep, continuous "Himmelsleiter" (Jacob's ladder) staircase, and another story followed at the end of the 18th century. The building did not get electricity until 1925, and running water only in 1932.
In 2000 the Edith-Haberland-Wagner Stiftung, majority owner of the Augustiner brewery, bought the property and had it painstakingly restored. On September 7, 2005, the Bier- und Oktoberfestmuseum opened inside.
The exhibition spreads across several floors: at the very top it covers the basics of brewing and Munich's rise as a beer city; below that, 5,000 years of beer culture, the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) and drinking vessels such as the Keferloher stoneware mug. Another floor is dedicated to Munich's breweries, the beer barons and the history of the Oktoberfest. The permanent exhibition was re-curated in 2022. On the first floor, the Museumsstüberl invites visitors in for Bavarian dishes and beer.
Highlights
- Townhouse from 1346 with the Gothic Room (Gotische Stube)
- Historic "Himmelsleiter" staircase spanning several floors
- History of the Oktoberfest since 1810
- The Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) and the Keferloher beer mug
- Museumsstüberl tavern with beer tasting
Permanent exhibitions
- Dauerausstellung Bier- und Oktoberfestgeschichte – Across several floors, from the craft of brewing and the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) to Munich's breweries and the history of the Wiesn; re-curated in 2022.
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Edith-Haberland-Wagner Stiftung
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Children, school students, university students, retirees, people with severe disabilities, holders of the München-Pass |
| Children & teens | €2.50Children pay the reduced price; no age limit for free admission is stated. |
| Seniors | €2.50Retirees |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2.50 |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50School and university students |
| Groups (6+ people) | €3 per person |
| Guided tour (approx. 1 hour) | €8Per person, minimum 8 people or minimum charge for 8 |
| Beer tasting (3 × 0.1 l) | €4.50Per person, plus a €30 host fee per group |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Historic townhouse with the steep "Himmelsleiter" staircase; the museum provides no accessibility information – please inquire by phone.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Isartor · 2-min walk
S-Bahn (main trunk line) and tram to Isartor, approx. 2-minute walk
Amenities & dining
- Restaurant
Museumsstüberl (tavern) with Bavarian specialties on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours (approx. 1 hour) in German and English by booking via phone or email, minimum 8 people; beer tastings can be booked for groups. |
