Schwabing

Englischer Garten

(http://www.schloesser.bay...)— At over twice the size of New York's Central Park and dating back to 1789, the Englischer Garten begins at the very center of Munich just north of the Residence museum and Odeonsplatz, and continues north just over 5km. The park is divided into two distinct sections by a small city expressway called Mittlerer Ring. The southern section starts near Odeonsplatz and the Residenz Museum, and runs north, parallel to the student quarter of Schwabing. More populated than the northern section, a surprising number of people take advantage of lunch breaks during the week to sun themselves in the Garten. Here you'll see all kinds of activity, such as joggers, cyclists, strollers, skateboard and roller blades, riders on horseback, even surfboarders in wet suits taking advantage of currents under a bridge. Tourists are generally amused -- or scandalized -- by nude sunbathers, who may be encountered in any quiet section of the park on a warm day, but tend to congregate in the "official" area beside a small tributary of the Isar River that runs through the park. The Chinesischer Turm beer garden is located near the Monopteros, a Neo Classical rotunda that is situated on a hillside in the Garden. The northern half of the park is connected to the southern section by a pedestrian bridge beside the Seehaus Biergarten. Whereas the southern section is graced with open meadows and is densely populated, this section has a quieter, rural feel, with forest lots interspersed with fields graced with beautiful wildflowers in summer. Don't be surprised if you come across a herd of sheep, watched over by a shepherd in traditional clothing and his German Shepherd dogs. Quiet streams run through the park, as well as many bicycle and pedestrian trails. Indeed, the very best way to see this park is to rent a bicycle and explore. At most times you can see one or more people trying to surf on the Eisbach; see below.

Contains hundreds of great European masterworks dating from the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries, including the largest Rubens collection in the world. The Alte Pinakothek recently underwent a major four-year closing and renovation.

The Neue Pinakothek's collection includes nineteenth-century European paintings and sculptures, and has also been recently renovated. Perhaps the most popular of the Pinakotheks, there is also a very nice cafe here. The museum is located at the tram 27 Pinakotheken stop.

Features 20th and 21st century art. Go here if you're interested in frighteningly modern art. The building's architecture is quite interesting. If the exhibition is too modern for your tastes, the other two Pinakotheken are just across the street at the tram 27 stop; Pinakotheken.

closed for remodels until 2012. A very important stop for Expressionist art lovers, this impressive collection in the former villa of Munich aristocracy includes numerous famous examples of the artistic vein known as 'The Blue Rider'. A must see if you have time in the museum district, this gem is located just across the street to the left of the Glyptothek Königsplatz. A cozy cafe is also found here that extends to the outside grounds weather permitting. Across the street, there is an underground gallery entrance through the underground station across the street that often exhibits seldom seen works by renowned names. Make sure to see the outdoor exhibits that are found on the lots facing the Propyläen.

Most recent addition to Munich's museum district; a collection of modern and contemporary art paintings, sculptures and installations by Udo and Anette Brandhorst.