Münter House: A Blue Rider Haven

The Münter House, or Russenhaus ('House of the Russian'), in Murnau am Staffelsee, is more than just a charming Bavarian house; it's a portal into the heart of the early 20th-century Expressionist movement. Gabriele Münter purchased the house in 1909, and it soon became a shared sanctuary with her partner, Wassily Kandinsky. From then until 1914, the couple transformed the house into a creative oasis, complete with a vibrant garden and furniture painted with their own designs. The house served as an important meeting place for the 'Blue Rider' group, attracting avant-garde artists like Franz Marc, Alexej von Jawlensky, and August Macke. The serene setting and the influence of Bavarian folk art deeply inspired their work. Kandinsky's painted furniture and the decorated staircase within the house reflect these local artistic influences. Today, the Münter House has been meticulously restored to its 1909-1914 appearance, offering visitors an immersive experience. Wander through the rooms, admiring the paintings, prints, and reverse-glass paintings by Münter and Kandinsky. The house provides a vivid impression of the artistic atmosphere that thrived here before World War I. In the basement, Münter safeguarded a treasury of paintings during the Nazi era, preserving them for future generations.