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Contact
Gabelsbergerstraße 3580333 München
089/28927630
http://www.smaek.de
info@smaek.de
Gallery Hours
Di. 10.00-20.00, Mi.-So. 10.00-18.00
The National Museum of Egyptian Art presents itself as the only museum specializing in ancient Egyptian art. This is reflected in the collection history as well as in the manner of displaying the objects – every time period is represented by masterpieces of international renown. A tour of the collection introduces the visitor to the principles of ancient Egyptian art, the continuity of its artistic language, and the innovations of each era. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of circular sculptures and the interaction of portraits with ideal images. The time frame ranges from pre-history - about 4000 BC into the early Christian era. In addition there are the specialized features of the Nubian cultures in southern Egypt and the Egyptian statues from imperial Rome. A rich schedule of programs sheds light on the museum holdings and ancient Egyptian art. Numerous offerings are geared especially to children and families. In summer, 2013 the new building in the Kunstareal across from the Old Pinakothek will open.
The National Museum of Egyptian Art is the youngest of Bavaria's national museums. Even though groupings of the artifacts became accessible to visitors in halls of the Residence Museum in 1970, the collection has its roots in the "Art Chamber" of Duke Albrecht V, which housed the first Aegyptica in the 16th century. In the early 19th century King Ludwig I purchased important pieces in larger format which he placed in an "Egyptian Hall" of his Glyptothek preceding the ancient Greek and Roman statues. This collection also owes its thanks to the Royal Bavarian Academy of Sciences for its purchase of magnificent Egyptian monuments. An important figure in the development of the museum is the patron of arts and archaeologist Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Bissing (1873-1956). He financed his own excavations in Egypt and also provided monies to support other endeavors. Items from these excavations expanded the Munich holdings. Present support for the acquisition of historic Egyptian art comes from the so-called "Sammelansatz" Funding from the Free State of Bavaria for its museums and collections. Additional finances stem from philanthropic foundations and the "Friends of the Museum".
