Located in the heart of the city, the Munich Art District brings together over 50 institutions, making it Europe’s most concentrated cultural cluster. The unique blend of art, culture, and science is an experience³. Whether you’re a company or an individual, we offer you the opportunity to get involved in the Art District—either across the board or as part of a specific project—and to present yourself as a partner.
The Kunstareal München uniquely brings together art, culture, and science. With its renowned museums, cultural institutions, universities, and galleries, it is one of Europe's most diverse cultural hubs. To further strengthen this exceptional potential, thirteen friends' associations joined forces in 2010 at the initiative of the Foundation of the Pinakothek der Moderne to establish the Förderkreis Kunstareal. Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Duke Franz of Bavaria, the Förderkreis is committed to the continued development and visibility of the Kunstareal. Its core activities include initiating and supporting the annual Kunstareal Festival, funding the Kunstareal website and its ongoing operation, and organizing networking formats such as the event series “Impulses from the Kunstareal”. In addition, the Förderkreis supports the Kunstareal Coordination Office and contributes to the district's ongoing development in close cooperation with the City of Munich and the Free State of Bavaria.
Chairman:
Guido Redlich
The Friends of the Egyptian Museum was founded in 1976 to provide supporters and anyone interested in ancient Egypt with a platform for exchange and engagement. Today, the association has around 900 members of all ages, including many school pupils and university students. Through membership fees and donations, the Friends support the museum by funding acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, and educational programs for children and young people. They also make special projects possible and help strengthen the museum as a vibrant place for learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange. A diverse program of lectures, excursions, and special events offers members exclusive insights into the world of Egyptology. Through their commitment, they make an important contribution to the museum's wide-ranging activities and foster exchange between scholars, the museum, and the wider public.
Chair:
Dr. Hagen
The Freundeskreis Architekturmuseum TUM of the Technical University of Munich was founded in 2002, when the museum moved into the Pinakothek der Moderne. Since then, its members have been committed to promoting architectural education, research, and public discourse. Through membership fees and donations, the association supports exhibitions, publications, and educational programs for children and young people. It also helps make special projects possible and brings contemporary issues in architecture to a wider audience. Through lectures, guided tours, and other events, the Friends offer members deeper insights into architecture, urban planning, and the built environment. In doing so, the association supports the museum in making architecture accessible to the public as a cultural, social, and creative discipline.
Chair:
Alexander Fthenakis
The Förderverein NS-Dokumentationszentrum München was founded in the spring of 2011, even before the centre officially opened. Its mission is to support the Documentation Centre both ideologically and financially, while bringing together financial contributions and voluntary civic engagement. Through donations and membership contributions, the association helps fund research projects, educational programs, and other initiatives of the Documentation Centre. Its work focuses on advancing research into the history of National Socialism in Munich, examining its causes and consequences after 1945, and communicating these findings to diverse audiences. Through lectures, events, and other activities, the Friends create opportunities for deeper engagement with historical and contemporary issues, while strengthening Munich's culture of remembrance and civic education.
Chair:
Christian Ude
The Friends of the Egyptian Museum was founded in 1976 to provide supporters and anyone interested in ancient Egypt with a platform for exchange and engagement. Today, the association has around 900 members of all ages, including many school pupils and university students. Through membership fees and donations, the Friends support the museum by funding acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, and educational programs for children and young people. They also make special projects possible and help strengthen the museum as a vibrant place for learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange. A diverse program of lectures, excursions, and special events offers members exclusive insights into the world of Egyptology. Through their commitment, they make an important contribution to the museum's wide-ranging activities and foster exchange between scholars, the museum, and the wider public.
Chair:
Dr. Hagen
The Freundeskreis Architekturmuseum TUM of the Technical University of Munich was founded in 2002, when the museum moved into the Pinakothek der Moderne. Since then, its members have been committed to promoting architectural education, research, and public discourse. Through membership fees and donations, the association supports exhibitions, publications, and educational programs for children and young people. It also helps make special projects possible and brings contemporary issues in architecture to a wider audience. Through lectures, guided tours, and other events, the Friends offer members deeper insights into architecture, urban planning, and the built environment. In doing so, the association supports the museum in making architecture accessible to the public as a cultural, social, and creative discipline.
Chair:
Alexander Fthenakis
The Förderverein NS-Dokumentationszentrum München was founded in the spring of 2011, even before the centre officially opened. Its mission is to support the Documentation Centre both ideologically and financially, while bringing together financial contributions and voluntary civic engagement. Through donations and membership contributions, the association helps fund research projects, educational programs, and other initiatives of the Documentation Centre. Its work focuses on advancing research into the history of National Socialism in Munich, examining its causes and consequences after 1945, and communicating these findings to diverse audiences. Through lectures, events, and other activities, the Friends create opportunities for deeper engagement with historical and contemporary issues, while strengthening Munich's culture of remembrance and civic education.
Chair:
Christian Ude
The Verein der Freunde und Förderer der Glyptothek und der Antikensammlungen München e.V. was founded in 1971 by prominent citizens of Munich to promote interest in ancient art and culture and to provide lasting support for the two museums at Königsplatz. For more than five decades, the association has been committed to preserving and enhancing their collections.
Through membership fees and donations, the association has enabled the acquisition of significant works of art, which have been placed with the museums on permanent loan. It also supports educational initiatives and programs for children and young people.
A varied program of lectures, guided tours, excursions, and study trips offers members the opportunity to explore and deepen their appreciation of the cultural heritage of the ancient world. Through its commitment, the association helps keep the collections vibrant and fosters public engagement with the art and culture of antiquity.
Chair:
Hannes Hofer
The Vereinigung der Freunde der Staatlichen Graphischen Sammlung München e. V. has supported the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München since 1925. As one of the oldest friends' associations within the Kunstareal, it is dedicated to expanding and preserving the museum's outstanding collection of drawings, prints, and other works on paper. Through membership fees and donations, the association enables the acquisition of works of art, which are placed with the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung on permanent loan while remaining the property of the association. It also supports the publication of exhibition catalogues, the expansion of the museum's library, and scholarly research projects. Through its commitment, the association makes a lasting contribution to the research, preservation, and public appreciation of graphic art.
Chair:
Dr. Markus Michalke
The Gesellschaft Freunde der Hochschule für Musik und Theater München e.V. supports the university in its core activities in education, artistic development, research, and the presentation of concerts and opera performances. A particular focus lies on supporting talented students and emerging artists. In addition, the association helps make innovative projects and initiatives possible that extend beyond the regular curriculum. Through membership fees and donations, it creates financial opportunities for special projects and contributes to the continued development of the university. In this way, the association makes an important contribution to the promotion of music, theatre, and artistic excellence in Munich.
Chair:
Dr. Stephan Frucht
The Verein der Freunde und Förderer der Glyptothek und der Antikensammlungen München e.V. was founded in 1971 by prominent citizens of Munich to promote interest in ancient art and culture and to provide lasting support for the two museums at Königsplatz. For more than five decades, the association has been committed to preserving and enhancing their collections.
Through membership fees and donations, the association has enabled the acquisition of significant works of art, which have been placed with the museums on permanent loan. It also supports educational initiatives and programs for children and young people.
A varied program of lectures, guided tours, excursions, and study trips offers members the opportunity to explore and deepen their appreciation of the cultural heritage of the ancient world. Through its commitment, the association helps keep the collections vibrant and fosters public engagement with the art and culture of antiquity.
Chair:
Hannes Hofer
The Vereinigung der Freunde der Staatlichen Graphischen Sammlung München e. V. has supported the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München since 1925. As one of the oldest friends' associations within the Kunstareal, it is dedicated to expanding and preserving the museum's outstanding collection of drawings, prints, and other works on paper. Through membership fees and donations, the association enables the acquisition of works of art, which are placed with the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung on permanent loan while remaining the property of the association. It also supports the publication of exhibition catalogues, the expansion of the museum's library, and scholarly research projects. Through its commitment, the association makes a lasting contribution to the research, preservation, and public appreciation of graphic art.
Chair:
Dr. Markus Michalke
The Gesellschaft Freunde der Hochschule für Musik und Theater München e.V. supports the university in its core activities in education, artistic development, research, and the presentation of concerts and opera performances. A particular focus lies on supporting talented students and emerging artists. In addition, the association helps make innovative projects and initiatives possible that extend beyond the regular curriculum. Through membership fees and donations, it creates financial opportunities for special projects and contributes to the continued development of the university. In this way, the association makes an important contribution to the promotion of music, theatre, and artistic excellence in Munich.
Chair:
Dr. Stephan Frucht
The Friends of HFF Munich was founded in 1968 and has supported the university and its students in their artistic and professional development ever since. The association brings together graduates, supporters, and friends of HFF Munich who are committed to fostering the next generation of filmmakers. A particular focus lies on supporting students in the fields of directing, screenwriting, production, and cinematography. Through membership fees and donations, the association supports, among other things, the production of graduation films and helps make creative projects possible. In addition, the association runs the Munich Screenwriting Workshop, which has been training and qualifying screenwriters for film and television for many years. Events and other activities provide members with opportunities for close exchange with the HFF community and accompany students on their path into the film and media industry. Through its commitment, the association makes an important contribution to supporting emerging filmmakers and strengthening film culture in Munich.
Chair:
Dr. Christian Franckenstein
The Friends of the Lenbachhaus was founded in 1993. Its aim was to strengthen the connection between Munich-based companies, private supporters, and the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, while providing lasting support for its cultural work. The association is committed to improving the museum’s presentation facilities and expanding its collection. Through membership fees and donations, it enables acquisitions that become part of the Lenbachhaus collection as permanent loans, particularly in the field of international contemporary art. In addition, the Friends support exhibitions, publications, and innovative projects such as the museum’s lighting design. Another focus lies on cultural education, for example through funding special openings and educational programs for school groups. Through its commitment, the association helps strengthen the Lenbachhaus as a place of encounter with modern and contemporary art.
Chair:
Alexander Mettenheimer
The Friends of the Max Beckmann Archive trace their origins back to the Max Beckmann Society, founded in 1953, and support the archive in preserving and further developing its holdings. The association particularly promotes research projects, publications, and conservation work, thereby contributing to the scholarly study of Max Beckmann’s oeuvre. Through membership fees and donations, it enables key projects of the archive and supports the continuous expansion of its collection. In addition, members benefit from a diverse program of events, including readings, lectures, trips, and shared exhibition visits. The association thus provides a lively platform for exchange between art enthusiasts, researchers, and museum professionals.
Chair:
Mayen Beckmann
The Friends of HFF Munich was founded in 1968 and has supported the university and its students in their artistic and professional development ever since. The association brings together graduates, supporters, and friends of HFF Munich who are committed to fostering the next generation of filmmakers. A particular focus lies on supporting students in the fields of directing, screenwriting, production, and cinematography. Through membership fees and donations, the association supports, among other things, the production of graduation films and helps make creative projects possible. In addition, the association runs the Munich Screenwriting Workshop, which has been training and qualifying screenwriters for film and television for many years. Events and other activities provide members with opportunities for close exchange with the HFF community and accompany students on their path into the film and media industry. Through its commitment, the association makes an important contribution to supporting emerging filmmakers and strengthening film culture in Munich.
Chair:
Dr. Christian Franckenstein
The Friends of the Lenbachhaus was founded in 1993. Its aim was to strengthen the connection between Munich-based companies, private supporters, and the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, while providing lasting support for its cultural work. The association is committed to improving the museum’s presentation facilities and expanding its collection. Through membership fees and donations, it enables acquisitions that become part of the Lenbachhaus collection as permanent loans, particularly in the field of international contemporary art. In addition, the Friends support exhibitions, publications, and innovative projects such as the museum’s lighting design. Another focus lies on cultural education, for example through funding special openings and educational programs for school groups. Through its commitment, the association helps strengthen the Lenbachhaus as a place of encounter with modern and contemporary art.
Chair:
Alexander Mettenheimer
The Friends of the Max Beckmann Archive trace their origins back to the Max Beckmann Society, founded in 1953, and support the archive in preserving and further developing its holdings. The association particularly promotes research projects, publications, and conservation work, thereby contributing to the scholarly study of Max Beckmann’s oeuvre. Through membership fees and donations, it enables key projects of the archive and supports the continuous expansion of its collection. In addition, members benefit from a diverse program of events, including readings, lectures, trips, and shared exhibition visits. The association thus provides a lively platform for exchange between art enthusiasts, researchers, and museum professionals.
Chair:
Mayen Beckmann
The Pinakothek Association supports the Alte Pinakothek and the Neue Pinakothek in expanding their collections through the acquisition of works of art, as well as in promoting their activities for visitors and those interested in art. The association was originally founded to support the reconstruction of the Alte Pinakothek, which was destroyed during the Second World War. After this project was successfully completed, its purpose was expanded and now includes supporting both museums and their collections. The Pinakothek der Moderne is supported by its own dedicated friends’ associations. The Pinakothek Association currently has around 400 members and supporters and is organized as a non-profit association. Through membership fees and donations, it enables both acquisitions and educational and cultural programs. These include guided tours, lectures, special visits, and occasional trips. Through its commitment, the association contributes to preserving the Pinakotheken as places for encounters with art for generations to come.
Chair:
Elisabeth Princess zu Sayn-Wittgenstein
PIN. was founded in 1965 under the name “Galerie-Verein” with the aim of bringing contemporary art to Munich. For more than 50 years, the association has been committed to supporting the Sammlung Moderne Kunst and the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung. Since 2012, PIN. has also supported the Architecture Museum of the Technical University of Munich and Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum in their projects, with Museum Brandhorst joining in 2016. Each year, the association supports numerous exhibition projects and educational programs. To date, PIN. has acquired more than 1,200 works of art for the collections of the Pinakothek der Moderne, including significant works by Francis Bacon, Joseph Beuys, Georg Baselitz, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, and Pipilotti Rist. PIN. offers its more than 850 members an extensive program of around 70 events per year, including guided tours, previews, studio visits, artist talks, lectures, and trips. For young art enthusiasts under the age of 40, the PIN. Young Circle complements the program with dedicated events and activities. In addition, PIN. hosts the annual PIN. Party, featuring a charity auction in support of the Pinakothek der Moderne.
Chair:
Dorothée Wahl
The Foundation of the Pinakothek der Moderne was established in 1994, based on the conviction that civic engagement can provide vital impulses for the further development of society. Through donations amounting to around 13 million euros, the foundation made the construction of the Pinakothek der Moderne possible. Since then, it has supported the museum’s collections, particularly with regard to the spatial and functional presentation and interpretation of art, and has the autonomy to decide how its funds are allocated. In 2009, the foundation also initiated a stronger activation of the Kunstareal with the aim of making access to the collections easier, increasing their visibility, and promoting greater networking between the institutions.
Chair:
Dr. Markus Michalke
The Pinakothek Association supports the Alte Pinakothek and the Neue Pinakothek in expanding their collections through the acquisition of works of art, as well as in promoting their activities for visitors and those interested in art. The association was originally founded to support the reconstruction of the Alte Pinakothek, which was destroyed during the Second World War. After this project was successfully completed, its purpose was expanded and now includes supporting both museums and their collections. The Pinakothek der Moderne is supported by its own dedicated friends’ associations. The Pinakothek Association currently has around 400 members and supporters and is organized as a non-profit association. Through membership fees and donations, it enables both acquisitions and educational and cultural programs. These include guided tours, lectures, special visits, and occasional trips. Through its commitment, the association contributes to preserving the Pinakotheken as places for encounters with art for generations to come.
Chair:
Elisabeth Princess zu Sayn-Wittgenstein
PIN. was founded in 1965 under the name “Galerie-Verein” with the aim of bringing contemporary art to Munich. For more than 50 years, the association has been committed to supporting the Sammlung Moderne Kunst and the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung. Since 2012, PIN. has also supported the Architecture Museum of the Technical University of Munich and Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum in their projects, with Museum Brandhorst joining in 2016. Each year, the association supports numerous exhibition projects and educational programs. To date, PIN. has acquired more than 1,200 works of art for the collections of the Pinakothek der Moderne, including significant works by Francis Bacon, Joseph Beuys, Georg Baselitz, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, and Pipilotti Rist. PIN. offers its more than 850 members an extensive program of around 70 events per year, including guided tours, previews, studio visits, artist talks, lectures, and trips. For young art enthusiasts under the age of 40, the PIN. Young Circle complements the program with dedicated events and activities. In addition, PIN. hosts the annual PIN. Party, featuring a charity auction in support of the Pinakothek der Moderne.
Chair:
Dorothée Wahl
The Foundation of the Pinakothek der Moderne was established in 1994, based on the conviction that civic engagement can provide vital impulses for the further development of society. Through donations amounting to around 13 million euros, the foundation made the construction of the Pinakothek der Moderne possible. Since then, it has supported the museum’s collections, particularly with regard to the spatial and functional presentation and interpretation of art, and has the autonomy to decide how its funds are allocated. In 2009, the foundation also initiated a stronger activation of the Kunstareal with the aim of making access to the collections easier, increasing their visibility, and promoting greater networking between the institutions.
Chair:
Dr. Markus Michalke
The Friends of the Zentralinstitut für Kunstgeschichte, founded in 1983, supports the Zentralinstitut für Kunstgeschichte in expanding its library and promoting scholarly activities. A particular focus lies on supporting early-career researchers.
The association awards research prizes for outstanding scholarly achievements in various fields of art history, thereby contributing to the advancement of academic engagement with art historical topics. In addition, it funds a fellowship that enables young scholars to undertake research stays and pursue in-depth studies at the Zentralinstitut.
Chair:
Marcus Marschall
The Friends of the Zentralinstitut für Kunstgeschichte, founded in 1983, supports the Zentralinstitut für Kunstgeschichte in expanding its library and promoting scholarly activities. A particular focus lies on supporting early-career researchers.
The association awards research prizes for outstanding scholarly achievements in various fields of art history, thereby contributing to the advancement of academic engagement with art historical topics. In addition, it funds a fellowship that enables young scholars to undertake research stays and pursue in-depth studies at the Zentralinstitut.
Chair:
Marcus Marschall
As diverse as the Kunstareal itself are the many opportunities to support it as a sponsor or partner. Contact us for a personal conversation! We welcome your ideas and are happy to create a tailored partnership package for you. Support what matters to you.
