Glyptothek, Munich

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By far one of the better museums that features many statues of the period back into the Greek/Roman eras spanning 1000 years. The building is Greek-Italian design and was built 1816-30 by way of the direction of King Ludwig of Bavaria. He collected much of the sculptures during this time of early 1800's until the opening in 1830. There are maybe 500 pieces to views and some unique not to be seen (at least by me before).

The museum owe its existence to Ludwig 1 who toured the ancient world looking for items to add to his collection. A must for anyone interested in the ancient world and its fantastic offerings to us. Highlight to me was the aphaia temple in Aegina.

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As in all great ancient sculpture collections, there are few Greek originals (except in Greece) but many excellent Roman "copies" of Greek originals whose antecedents are lost to us. In the Glyptothek all periods of Ancient Greece are represented as well as many fine Roman copies. We found the traversal interesting throughout.It was an easy museum to wander through.

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The Glyptothek is the oldest museum in Munich, built (1816-30) by von Klenze. It houses Greco-Roman sculptures amassed by Ludwig I including pieces from the recently (1811) excavated material at the temple site in Aegina. It is a neoclassic building with an Ionic portico and a facade with statues in niches. On its pediment is a figure of Athene, patroness of Greek Art. The building was essentially destroyed in WWII losing its frescos but not the carefully removed contents. It was rebuilt by 1972.

A world-famous collection of sculptures from antiquity. The fine museum building itself is built in the style of a greek or roman temple. Especially impressive is the Roman Hall, where you encounter a host of busts and statues from many famous roman emperors, warlords and philosophers.

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On vacation in Munich in November, we spent several hours walking around the museum district which was close to our hotel and simple to find what we were looking for with the map the hotel provided. On the way to Alte Pinakothek (the art museum), we saw the Propylaen which is a grand city gate in the Neo-Classical style and the Glypothek, right next door, was build by King Ludwig I to keep his works of art. We didn't go in as it didn't look like much was going on and I'm not sure if you can but the architecture was interesting and the size was immense. Its a nice photo opportunity and quick stop.

The Glypothek is one of oldest and best museums that you can see in Munich.It was opened in 1.830 and it has some large collections of sculptures from Greece and Rome.Also you can see the Greek inspiration in the beautiful building,that is a reminiscent of an antique greek temple with its eight columns in the front.

This museum is located in one of largest and best squares in the center of Munich: Königsplatz,this impressive square was used by Adolf Hitler to parade his troops when he was in Munich.

In the very Greek looking Königsplatz, used as a parade ground by the nazis, but recently restored to its former classical glory as was meant, you will find the Glyptothek. Built to house Ludwig I's classical art, it is today mainly famous for its Aegina sculptures which have caused a bit of an "Elgin marble affair" for the Germans as the Greeks wants them back. There are also many other masterpieces - roman busts and lots of sculptures.

The Glyptothek, with its frieze and classic Ionic columns, houses both Greek and Roman statuary.

A visit to this museum can either begin or end with a walk around the exterior, to view the many larger-than-life-size sculptures set into niches on the outer walls. In warm weather, the green park just behind the museum offers shady relief from the sun.
Because there is relatively little automobile traffic in this area, the square called Koenigsplatz is a peaceful interlude in the bustle of the city.

Crown Prince Ludwig commissioned the building of the Glyptothek in 1816 to house his collection of antique sculptures. The graceful building boasts eight stately Ionic columns, and a number of sculptures in niches on three sides. The interior was destroyed in WWII, but was repaired in 1972 with exposed brick, altered windows, and a raised courtyard.