Museum für Abgüsse Klassischer Bildwerke

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum traces back to the archaeologist Heinrich Brunn, who in 1869, with the new chair of Classical Archaeology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, began a cast collection for comparative teaching. After its early years in cramped quarters, the collection moved in 1877 to the northern Hofgarten arcades of the Residenz, where it grew to around 2,400 casts.

During the air raids toward the end of World War II, almost the entire collection was lost; only a few pieces survived. In 1949 the remains came to the Haus der Kulturinstitute on Königsplatz. From 1959 the collection was systematically rebuilt, and since the completion of renovation work in 1991 it has been permanently open to the public.

Today it comprises around 2,000 faithful casts of ancient sculptures from the 7th century BC to late antiquity, with a focus on Hellenistic sculpture and Roman portraits. Among the best-known pieces are the Laocoön Group, the Nike of Samothrace, and the Farnese Hercules; a large Parthenon model on loan from the Metropolitan Museum complements the display.

Between 2023 and 2026 the section of Roman casts was redesigned with digital learning features. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum offers guided tours, lectures, family programs, and inclusive activities.

Highlights

• Around 2,000 life-size plaster casts of ancient sculptures
• Laocoön Group, Nike of Samothrace, and Farnese Hercules
• Parthenon model at a scale of 1:20 (on loan from the Metropolitan Museum)
• Redesigned section "Das antike Rom in Gips" (Ancient Rome in Plaster) with a digital rally
• Certified accessible ("Reisen für Alle"), tours in sign language

Permanent exhibitions

• Abgusssammlung griechischer und römischer Skulptur – Around 2,000 casts of ancient sculptures from archaic Greece to late antiquity, arranged chronologically and thematically.
• Das antike Rom in Gips – Redesigned section on casts of Roman works, with models, a digital rally, videos, and AR features.

Founded

1869

Operated by

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Institut für Klassische Archäologie)

Director

Andrea Schmölder-Veit, Nele Schröder-Griebel

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission and public guided tours are free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

"Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All) certificate (accessible for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people with cognitive impairments, partially for people with visual and hearing impairments; valid until 11/2027). Elevator and accessible parking space at the south entrance (elevator operated by staff); accessible restroom; folding chairs. Touch tours, Braille and large print, tours with an FM system and in German Sign Language (DGS), materials in Easy Language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Regular programs for children and families such as children's workshops, family days, and holiday programs (information via newsletter). Children's birthday parties from age 8 for up to 10 children: 2 hours, during which the children make their own plaster casts.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit