The Alte Pinakothek in 2 hours: a route through the Old Masters
Quick answer
In 2 hours you can see the Alte Pinakothek highlights in this order: Dürer, Leonardo and Raphael, Botticelli, Rubens and his Last Judgement, Rembrandt, Velázquez and Murillo. All are in the main galleries on the upper floor; follow the orientation plan at the entrance.
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The route: 9 stops in 2 hours
Galleries can change because of loans and exhibitions; use the museum's orientation plan. Timings are approximate and include walking.
- 1
0:00 · Upper floor · German school
Self-Portrait in a Fur-Trimmed Robe (Dürer, 1500)
Start with the museum's best-known work: Dürer paints himself facing front, a pose then reserved for Christ. Look at the intensity of the gaze and the carefully painted hair.
- 2
0:15 · Upper floor · German school
The Four Apostles (Dürer)
Two panels with John, Peter, Paul and Mark that Dürer gave to his hometown. A testimony of the Reformation.
- 3
0:30 · Upper floor · Italian school
Madonna of the Carnation (Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1475)
An early Leonardo, the only one in Germany. Notice the light and the landscape in the background.
- 4
0:40 · Upper floor · Italian school
The Canigiani Holy Family (Raphael, 1505–1506)
A calm pyramid composition by the Renaissance master.
- 5
0:50 · Upper floor · Italian school
The Lamentation (Botticelli, c. 1490–1495)
A late, dramatic Botticelli with highly expressive figures.
- 6
1:05 · Upper floor · large Rubens gallery
The Great Last Judgement (Rubens, c. 1617)
A canvas over six metres tall: bodies rising and falling. Nearby hangs The Fall of the Damned.
- 7
1:20 · Upper floor · Dutch school
Self-Portrait and Resurrection of Christ (Rembrandt)
A young Rembrandt aged about 23, and a more dramatic scene from his maturity.
- 8
1:35 · Upper floor · Spanish school
Young Spanish Nobleman (Velázquez, c. 1631)
An elegant, restrained portrait by the master of the Spanish Golden Age.
- 9
1:45 · Upper floor · Spanish school
Boys Eating Grapes and Melon (Murillo)
A scene of everyday life, among the most charming in the collection.
Tips to make the most of it
- Arrive at 10:00: the first hour is the quietest.
- On Sundays (€1) it is busier: start with Rubens before it fills up.
- Leave large backpacks in the cloakroom; bring 1 or 2 euro coins for lockers.
- With the AnyArt camera you can identify any painting not on this list.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Alte Pinakothek in 2 hours?
Yes, if you focus on the masterpieces by Dürer, Leonardo, Raphael, Rubens and Rembrandt.
What about 1 hour?
Prioritise Dürer's Self-Portrait, Leonardo's Madonna of the Carnation and Rubens' Last Judgement.
Is there an audio guide?
The museum offers a free app (Alte Pinakothek Unframed) with tours in German and English.
Is Sunday worth it?
Yes for the €1 price, but it is busier. For calm, choose Tuesday or Wednesday.