Alte Pinakothek Celebrates 200 Years Since Foundation Stone Laid for Munich's Landmark Museum

On April 7, 2026, the Alte Pinakothek in Munich will commemorate its 200th anniversary, celebrating the laying of its foundation stone in 1826, which aligns with the birthday of Raffaello Santi. The gallery's roots trace back to the collecting practices of the House of Wittelsbach, initiated by Duke Wilhelm IV and Maria Jacobaea von Baden in 1528. Notable works include Albrecht Altdorfer's 'Alexanderschlacht.' The collection grew under subsequent leaders, including Herzog Albrecht V's Kunstkammer from 1563 to 1567 and Kurfürst Karl Theodor's Hofgartengalerie established in 1777. Construction, approved by King Maximilian I on June 12, 1823, was designed by architect Leo von Klenze, with the opening occurring on October 16, 1836. After being damaged in WWII, Hans Döllgast oversaw its reconstruction, leading to its reopening in 1957 as part of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen.