State Collections of Antiquities (Antikensammlungen)
Elegant 19th-century hall showcasing a curated collection of decorative arts, ceramics, bronzes, and Fayum mummy portraits from ancient civilizations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Affordable entry fee
State Collections of Antiquities (Antikensammlungen)
Best Time
Affordable entry fee

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Elegant 19th-century hall showcasing a curated collection of decorative arts, ceramics, bronzes, and Fayum mummy portraits from ancient civilizations.
"Packed with artifacts, ceramics, bronze, gold and precious gems, it's a great place to feel connected to people from 2000 years ago."
🎯 Compare with Glyptothek
If you love sculptures, Glyptothek is across the square. This museum excels in ceramics & smaller artifacts.
💰 Sunday Entry Deal
Visit on Sundays for a significantly reduced entry fee, often just 1 euro!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fayum Mummy Portraits
Lower level
Discover some of the most beautiful and haunting Fayum mummy portraits, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian life.

Ancient Ceramics Collection
Exhibition halls
Explore a fascinating array of ancient pottery, showcasing the artistry and daily life of past civilizations.

Bronze and Gold Artifacts
Exhibition halls
Marvel at intricate bronze work and precious gold items, reflecting the wealth and craftsmanship of ancient cultures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for a Focused Experience
Consider Sunday for Budget Visits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Compare with Glyptothek
If you love sculptures, Glyptothek is across the square. This museum excels in ceramics & smaller artifacts.
💰 Sunday Entry Deal
Visit on Sundays for a significantly reduced entry fee, often just 1 euro!
🎒 Cloakroom Costs
Be aware of the 1 euro fee for the cloakroom. Open hangers are available but not secured.
🧒 Engage Kids (10+)
Great for kids aged 10+ who are studying ancient history; makes lessons tangible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Compare with Glyptothek
If you love sculptures, Glyptothek is across the square. This museum excels in ceramics & smaller artifacts.
💰 Sunday Entry Deal
Visit on Sundays for a significantly reduced entry fee, often just 1 euro!
🎒 Cloakroom Costs
Be aware of the 1 euro fee for the cloakroom. Open hangers are available but not secured.
🧒 Engage Kids (10+)
Great for kids aged 10+ who are studying ancient history; makes lessons tangible.
🤫 Be Mindful of Noise
The building can amplify sound. If staff are chatty, politely mention it to ensure a peaceful visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the State Collections of Antiquities for its excellent and first-class collection of ancient ceramics, bronzes, and Fayum mummy portraits, offering a deep connection to the past. However, some find the exhibition space limited compared to other museums and note that the building's acoustics can lead to noise issues.
"There’s not much to see compared to other museums in the city. The exhibition space feels somewhat limited, and if you’re expecting large statues or grand displays, you might be disappointed.
For those deeply interested in ancient ceramics and smaller artifacts, it could be worth a visit. However, if you’re looking for a more extensive collection of classical art, the Glyptothek across the square—focused on ancient sculptures—might be a better option, like the one opposite."
Wesley Wong
"Not so popular as the Glyptothek across the square but packed with artefacts, ceramics, bronze, gold and precious gems. In the lower level you will find displayed one of the most beautiful Fayum mummy portraits."
Bozhidar Dimitrov
"Great place to discover lovely ancient pottery and art to feel the connection to the folks just like you and me only 2000 years ago.
Also great to go with kids aged 10+ and shush their excitement about seeing what they just studied at school."
Xenia Suhanova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The State Collections of Antiquities (Antikensammlungen) is conveniently located in Munich, Germany, directly across from the Glyptothek. You can easily reach it via public transport. The nearest U-Bahn (subway) station is Königsplatz (U2 line), which is just a short walk away. Several bus lines also stop near Königsplatz.
Parking in the Königsplatz area can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach the museum. If you must drive, look for public parking garages in the vicinity, but be prepared for higher costs.
Information regarding wheelchair accessibility can vary. It's best to check the official museum website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date details on ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Opening hours can change seasonally and may differ on public holidays. Typically, the museum is open during regular daytime hours. Always check the official website for the most current opening times before your visit.
Photography policies can differ. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but it's crucial to look for signage within the museum or ask staff for clarification to avoid any issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard admission fees apply, but there are often special offers. Notably, on Sundays, the entrance fee is significantly reduced, often to just 1 euro, making it a very budget-friendly option.
For general admission, booking tickets in advance is usually not required, especially during off-peak times. However, if you are visiting with a large group or during special exhibitions, it might be advisable to check if advance booking is recommended or necessary.
Yes, besides the popular 1 euro Sunday entry, discounts may be available for students, seniors, or those with specific passes. Check the museum's official website for a comprehensive list of potential discounts and eligibility criteria.
Visitors are typically required to leave backpacks and outerwear at the entrance. There's a cloakroom service, which may incur a small fee (around 1 euro) for hanging items.
Guided tours might be offered, especially for specific exhibitions or by prior arrangement for groups. Inquire at the ticket desk or check the museum's website for schedules and booking information.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum houses an excellent collection of ancient decorative arts, including ceramics, bronze, gold, and precious gems. It's particularly known for its beautiful Fayum mummy portraits and ancient pottery.
Yes, it can be very engaging for children aged 10 and above, especially if they are studying ancient history. The tangible artifacts like pottery and jewelry can make lessons come alive.
A typical visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your level of interest. If you plan to thoroughly examine the ceramics, bronzes, and mummy portraits, allow ample time.
Crowd levels can vary. Weekends, especially Sundays due to the low entry fee, tend to be busier. Weekday afternoons are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
The museum is housed in an elegant 19th-century hall. However, be aware that the building's acoustics can amplify sounds, so it might be a bit noisy if there are many visitors or if staff are talking loudly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, smaller museums like the State Collections of Antiquities do not have extensive dining facilities. It's advisable to check their official website for any available cafe services.
The museum is located in a central area of Munich, close to Königsplatz. There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries in the surrounding streets offering a variety of cuisines.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into museum exhibition halls is not permitted to protect the artifacts. There might be designated areas where you can consume your own refreshments, but it's best to confirm this with museum staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Non-flash photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, always look for specific signage within the galleries or ask museum staff to confirm the current policy, as it can vary.
The main restriction is typically the prohibition of flash photography, as it can damage delicate artifacts over time. Tripods and selfie sticks might also be restricted.
The Fayum mummy portraits are incredibly photogenic due to their detail and expressiveness. The intricate bronze and gold artifacts also make for stunning close-up shots.
Yes, phone cameras are generally allowed for personal photography, provided flash is turned off and you are not obstructing other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum might not have interactive exhibits, the sheer detail and artistry in the Fayum mummy portraits can captivate young minds. Encourage them to look for details in the pottery designs or imagine who might have worn the gold pieces. It’s a great opportunity for a quieter, more focused cultural experience that complements broader historical learning.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of the small, additional fee for the cloakroom if you need to store outerwear or a bag. However, even with this minor cost, the overall expense for a visit remains very low. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in history without breaking the bank, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to other experiences or dining.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Fayum Mummy Portraits
These portraits are not just historical artifacts; they are deeply personal representations of individuals. The variety in style, from idealized depictions to more realistic portrayals, provides insights into social status, artistic trends, and personal beliefs of the time. Seeing these faces up close can create a profound connection to the past, making them a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian culture and art.
Navigating the Collection: Beyond the Grand
Visitors who are deeply interested in the nuances of ancient pottery or the delicate artistry of smaller precious objects will find this museum particularly rewarding. While it may not feature the colossal statues found elsewhere, its collection provides a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. It’s a place where you can truly feel a connection to the people of the past through the objects they created and used.
For those planning a visit, it's helpful to set expectations. If your primary interest is classical sculpture, the Glyptothek across the square is the more appropriate choice. However, for a deeper dive into the world of ancient ceramics, bronzes, and personal adornments, the Antikensammlungen is an excellent and often overlooked gem.
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