The Archäologische Staatssammlung (Archaeological Collection) at the Englischer Garten (park) is one of the central European collections. Over 15,000 archaeological objects from excavations in Bavaria – from deer-bone flutes to peat-bog mummies – are presented here in an appealing way.
This institution is both a collection and a museum. In the collection, scientists preserve and research archaeological finds from all over Bavaria, while the museum showcases special artefacts, pieces of art, grave goods and everyday objects to the public, allowing visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Bavaria 250,000 years ago.
Two tours are offered: The first tour provides insights into the work of archaeologists and the Bavarian excavation landscape and the second tour showcases the variety of exhibits from different eras.
"The Celts – Images, Myths, Gods" – virtual web experience: Visitors can experience the world of the Latène culture, which characterised the cultural and artistic heritage of Central Europe from the 5th to the 1st century BC: a mysterious misty forest, a Celtic grove equipped with 3D models that illustrate the diversity and multifaceted nature of Celtic art and lifestyle.
The web experience is available on the website of the Archaeological State Collection.
Digital experiences, sound installations and hands-on stations ensure a multi-sensory museum visit. Visitors can also enjoy an entertaining “Schmankerl-Tour“ – a part of the media guide – of Munich's city history, narrated by well-known Munich cabaret artist Luise Kinseher. Another part is the “Highlight Tour“, which leads to selected exhibits. Visitors can use the media guide on their smartphone.
The prehistoric collection dates back to 1885. The number of exhibits quickly grew when the archaeological finds of the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (museum) and the collection of the Historischer Verein von Oberbayern (historic association) were added. A separate museum building on Lerchenfeldstrasse was finally realised in 1976.
After eight years of general renovation, the former Prehistoric Museum at the Englischer Garten in the Lehel district reopened in May 2024 under the name Archäologische Staatssammlung.
The many extraordinary artefacts include Bavaria's oldest musical instrument, a flute made of deer bone, dating from around 14,000 to 12,000 BC, a peat-bog body from the 13th to 14th century AD and the oldest object in the museum, a hand-axe from around 100,000 to 10,000 BC.
The museum is a place of encounter and, of course, offers barrier-free access. In addition to the museum café, you'll find the in-house Rooftop Bar SOLÂ, which opened in May 2024.
On Sundays, admission is significantly reduced to just one euro and the Sunday ticket is valid for the entire collection. Different prices may apply for special exhibitions.
Plus: With the München Card or the City Pass, you can always travel for free on local public transport and receive attractive discounts.
Information on barrier-free access is available at “Kultur barrierefrei” (barrier-free culture) in Munich.
Also interesting: Start planning now – on the official city portal muenchen.de, you will find current cultural highlights and an extensive events calendar.
