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Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig

Explore masterpieces from the Middle Ages to today at the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig, showcasing a diverse collection of European art in a stunning modern setting in the heart of Leipzig.

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The Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig (MdbK) is a treasure trove of artistic expression spanning from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Founded in 1837 by Leipzig's art enthusiasts, the museum boasts a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and graphic works. Housed in a striking modern building since 2004, the MdbK offers visitors an immersive experience across four floors, each showcasing different architectural styles and artistic movements. From Old Masters like Frans Hals and Lucas Cranach to German Romantics such as Caspar David Friedrich, and contemporary works from the New Leipzig School, the museum presents a diverse panorama of European art history. With over 35 temporary exhibitions annually, the MdbK remains a vibrant center for cultural exploration and artistic discovery, appealing to art lovers from around the globe.

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Local tips

  • Visit on the first Wednesday of the month for significantly reduced admission to special exhibitions.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to the permanent exhibitions to explore the museum's highlights without any cost.
  • Check the museum's calendar for guided tours in different languages or sign language interpretation.
  • Explore the inclusive information stations (MdbK [hubs]) for tactile reliefs, audio texts, and videos in German sign language.
  • If arriving by car, consider parking in the Höfe am Brühl, Augustusplatz, or Marktgalerie parking garages near the museum, as street parking is limited.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig is easily accessible via public transport. From Leipzig Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), it's a convenient 10-minute walk. Alternatively, take any S-Bahn (urban train) service to the 'Markt' station, which is in the immediate vicinity of the museum. Many Leipzig tram lines also stop at 'Goerdelerring', 'Main Station', or 'Augustusplatz', all within a short walking distance of the museum. A single tram ticket costs approximately €3.00.

  • Walking

    From Augustusplatz, head west towards the Gewandhaus concert hall. Continue along Augustusplatz, then turn right onto Katharinenstraße. The Museum of Fine Arts will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. From the Markt S-Bahn station, exit onto the Markt square and walk east towards the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Continue onto Katharinenstraße, and the museum will be on your right.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Leipzig. A short ride from Leipzig Central Station or Augustusplatz to the museum will typically cost between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and the specific service.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that Leipzig is an environmental zone, and a green sticker is required for entry. Parking is limited near the museum. Consider using one of the nearby parking garages, such as Q-Park Am Museumswinkel (Reichsstraße 19), Q-Park Augustusplatz (Augustusplatz 15), or Q-Park Marktgalerie (Thomaskirchhof 18). Parking fees typically range from €2 to €3 per hour.

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The Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig, known locally as Museum der bildenden Künste (MdbK), stands as a beacon of culture in the heart of Leipzig. Its story began in 1837 with the establishment of the Leipzig Art Association, driven by a collective of local art collectors and promoters with a vision to create a dedicated art museum for the city. In 1848, their vision materialized with the opening of the 'Städtische Museum' within the city's first public school. This initial collection of approximately one hundred works of contemporary art grew steadily through significant donations from patrons like Maximilian Speck von Sternburg, Alfred Thieme, and Adolf Heinrich Schletter. A pivotal moment arrived in 1853 when Adolf Fer, a businessman and art collector, bequeathed his collection on the condition that the city construct a municipal museum within five years. The museum was inaugurated on Augustusplatz in 1858, designed by Ludwig Lange in the style of the Italian Renaissance. Throughout its history, the museum's collection continued to expand, enriched by further donations. However, the museum faced significant challenges during the 20th century. In 1937, the Nazi regime confiscated 394 paintings and prints, primarily Expressionist works, as part of their 'Degenerate Art' campaign. The original museum building was destroyed during a British air raid in December 1943, although much of the collection had been safely relocated beforehand. For over six decades, the museum operated in various temporary locations until the city decided to restore a permanent home for its art collection. On December 4, 2004, exactly 61 years after the destruction of the original building, the new museum opened on the former Sachsenplatz (Saxony Square). Designed by architects Hufnagel Pütz Rafaelian, the modern rectangular structure cost 74.5 million euros. The building's design, featuring angled structures framing a compact mass, won a Europe-wide competition in 1997. The MdbK's collection encompasses over 4,600 paintings, 1,800 sculptures, more than 5,000 photographs, and over 70,000 works on paper. The museum's holdings span seven centuries of European art history, with a particular emphasis on Leipzig art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Key highlights include paintings from the Late Middle Ages by artists such as Rogier van der Weyden, Lucas Cranach, and Hans Baldung Grien, Dutch 17th-century paintings by Frans Hals, Jan van Goyen, and Jacob van Ruisdael, and German Romanticism represented by Caspar David Friedrich and Johann Christian Dahl. The museum also boasts a significant collection of French paintings from around 1800, intimate portrayals of nature and scenery in the tradition of the Barbizon School. The art collection from the first half of the twentieth century comprises works from Saxony that has undergone a shift from symbolism, with Max Klinger as a key figure, to veristic works of social criticism. Classic Modernist art is present in characteristic works of Expressionism and New Objectivity. Today, the MdbK stands as one of Germany's largest exhibition spaces, hosting over 35 temporary exhibitions each year. Its commitment to accessibility is evident through barrier-free access to all exhibition areas, inclusive information stations, and programs for visitors with disabilities. The museum also houses a major art library with over 100,000 items, considered one of the most important in Europe. A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig offers a journey through centuries of artistic innovation and cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn to the Old Masters, captivated by Romantic landscapes, or intrigued by contemporary expressions, the MdbK provides a rich and engaging experience for all art enthusiasts. The museum's striking architecture, thoughtfully curated exhibitions, and dedication to inclusivity make it a must-see destination in Leipzig, inviting visitors to explore the transformative power of art.

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