Artothek & Bildersaal

The art space “Artothek & Bildersaal München” sees itself as a civic-oriented institution that combines art education, art lending, art promotion, and exhibitions, and serves as an important part of the local art scene.

Artothek München is the City of Munich’s art lending service. Since 1986, original works by Munich-based artists have been available for loan to take home or to the office. More than 2,000 works are available. Browsing is free of charge. Loans are possible for a small fee, similar to a public library system.

This reflects the socially and democratically oriented core mission of artotheks: to make contemporary art accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their financial means or prior expertise.

In addition, artotheks are closely embedded in the local art scene and function as vibrant meeting places that connect the scene with practicing artists. They support artists by acquiring works for the respective Artothek collection.

The Bildersaal is a non-commercial, curated exhibition space for contemporary art. Located in the heart of Munich’s old town, it is one of six municipal art spaces and offers professional artists from the local art scene a centrally located exhibition venue.

The artistic direction of Artothek & Bildersaal is responsible for selecting the artists and curating the exhibitions. Since the founding of the Artothek in 1986, more than 300 exhibitions have been presented.