One of my favorite things to do when it’s cold or rainy and just generally dreary is to visit one of Munich’s many local museums. It’s the perfect way to stay warm and dry without succumbing to seasonal cabin fever. Though there are plenty of things to do outside when it’s cold in Munich (read: Weihnachtsmärkte), I consider rain and snow an open invitation for a little bit history and culture, which is exactly why I want to share one of my favorite place to go during gloomy weather: Kaffee und Kultur at the Goldene Bar and Haus der Kunst. So, if what you’re craving is not just culture, but coffee and culture, then I know the perfect place for you.

Haus der Kunst

Though construction began in 1933, the Haus der Kunst (or as it was then known, Haus der Deutschen Kunst) first opened its doors in 1937. This imposing monument of Nazi architecture was originally meant to showcase the brilliance of German fine art. After the second World War, America’s occupying forces used the building as their mess hall. Since then, the Haus der Kunst has gone back to exhibiting art, though it has no permanent collection. Rather, the museum showcases temporary pieces and collections of contemporary art with a global focus. This makes it a perfect candidate for repeat visits.

The current exhibition titled, “Jörg Immendorff: For all Beloved in the World” (14.09.18-27.01.19), focuses on the career of the recently deceased German artist and its various stages. The Immendorff (1945-2007) collection is a stunning story of the artist’s progression and development. Beginning in the 1960s, his work is marked by a mood of rebellion and based on the sociopolitical issues of the time. Later, his work touches on communist philosophies and Germany’s dualism before the fall of the Berlin wall. Highly political, there is a sudden shift in the mood of his work in the late 1990s when Immendorff was diagnosed with ALS. Dark and introspective, many of his final works could only be completed with the help of assistants acting as disconnected bodies under his direction. All of Immendorff’s work is heavy in layers and ripe for analysis and cultural introspection, but his final pieces have a particular poignancy.

The second exhibition currently on display, “Vivan Sundaram: Disjunctures” (29.06.18-01.01.19), is a multimedia survey of Indian-born Sundaram’s (1943-Present) politically and culturally inspired work over the last 50 years. Sundaram freely moves through mediums such as collage/bricolage, painting, sculpture, video and installation, which makes this particular collection a poetically marked multi-sensory experience. His work, which focuses on memory, history, society, and ethics, is as thought-provoking as it is emotional.

Goldene Bar

Open from dusk ‘til dawn, the Goldene Bar is there all day, every day, for every need you have. Whether you’re looking for breakfast; lunch; Kaffee und Kuchen; or cocktails, you’ll find it within the literally golden walls of this splendid locale. The golden wall mural made by Karl Heinz Dallinger in 1937 represents the varied origins of the wines and spirits found behind the bar. Dark and opulent, this stunning establishment benefits from its proximity to the Haus der Kunst, Englisher Garten, and Eisbachwelle, though it can certainly rest on its own merits.

As far as snacks are concerned, I’ll always recommend a smashed avocado from anywhere that serves it, and it takes a hard heart (or unfortunate lactose intolerance) to resist the simple glory of a proper cheese toast. However, if you love sandwiches as much as I do (and sometimes sandwiches are what I miss most about America), then you should definitely try the pastrami. If you happen to go on the weekend, then you’re in luck. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Goldene Bar offers Weißwürste mit Breze for as long as supplies last. I was joined by my personal Bavarian critic and I’m taking the resulting emptiness of his plate as a sign of approval.

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So, next time the sky gets dark and you are starting to feel restless under your mound of soft, heavy blankets, give a mind-enriching trip to the Haus der Kunst with a belly-warming stop at the Goldene Bar a try. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you there next time.

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I’m thinking of doing a Kaffee und Kultur series featuring museums and nearby Cafés this winter. What do you guys think? With the first snows floating from the clouds I’m definitely trying to think up some appropriate cold-weather content. Honestly, what’s better than books, movies, and warm beverages when skies get grey? So check out some of my previous recommendation of Things to Read and Things to Watch if you’re looking to hibernate this season. Also, tell me, what’s your go-to cold weather activity?

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Haus der Kunst 
Prinzregentenstraße 1
80538 Munich
Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 20:00; Thu: 10:00 – 22:00

Die Goldene Bar 
Prinzregentenstr 1
80538 München
Tue – Sat 10:00 – 2:00; Sun 10:00 – 20:00; Mon 10:00 – 18:00

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