TheAcademy of Fine Arts, Munich (German:Akademie der Bildenden Künste München, also known asMunich Academy) is one of the oldest and most significantart academies in Germany. It is located in theMaxvorstadt district ofMunich, inBavaria, Germany.[1]
In the second half of the 19th century, the academy became one of the most important institutions in Europe for training artists and attracted students from across Europe and theUnited States.[2]
The history of the academy goes back to 1770 with the founding by ElectorMaximilian III. Joseph, of a "drawing school", the "Zeichnungs Schule respective Maler und Bildhauer Academie". In 1808, under KingMaximilian I Joseph of Bavaria, it became theRoyal Academy of Fine Arts. The curriculum focused was on painting, graphics, sculpture and architecture.[3]
TheMunich School refers to a group of painters who worked in Munich or were trained at the Academy between 1850 and 1918. The paintings are characterized by a naturalistic style and darkchiaroscuro. Typical painting subjects included landscape, portraits, genre, still-life, and history.Karl von Piloty, the foremost representative of the realistic school in Germany, became director in 1874.[4]
From 1900 to 1918 the academy's director wasFerdinand Freiherr von Miller.[5] During the Second World War, Hitler replaced the academy's "non-Aryan" professors with Nazi artists.[3] In 1946, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts was merged with the School ofarts and crafts and the School ofapplied arts. In 1953, its name was changed to the current Academy of Fine Arts.
The large 19th-centuryRenaissance Revival style building complex, designed by Gottfried Neureuther, was completed in 1886. It has housed the Academy since then.[3]
A newDeconstructivist style expansion, designed by the architectural firmCoop Himmelb(l)au as an extension from the original building, was completed in 2005.[6]
TheAkademieGalerie (gallery of the academy) is located at the nearby subway stationUniversität. Since 1989 students could show artworks especially created for this location.[7]
The Academy of Fine Arts, Munich offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of fine arts, art education, interior architecture, and related disciplines.[8] The institution emphasizes a class-based teaching model, where students are assigned to specific classes led by professors, each representing distinct artistic approaches. This structure is complemented by interdisciplinary seminars, lectures, and access to specialized workshops.[9]
Fine Arts (Diploma): This program encompasses various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, graphic arts, media art, performance, jewelry and hollowware, scenography, and stage costume design. Students are assigned to one of approximately 25 classes, each led by a professor with a unique artistic focus.[10]
Art Education (State Examination): Designed for those intending to teach art at the secondary school level, this program combines practical artistic training with pedagogical studies.[11]
Interior Architecture (Bachelor of Arts): A three-year program focusing on the design and conceptualization of interior spaces, integrating artistic and technical aspects.[12]
Interior Architecture (Master of Arts): A two-year consecutive program that builds upon the bachelor's degree, emphasizing advanced design concepts and research in interior architecture.[13]
Architecture and Art (Master of Arts): This program explores the intersection of architectural design and artistic expression, fostering interdisciplinary approaches.
Fine Arts and Therapy (Master of Arts): Combining artistic practice with therapeutic methodologies, this program prepares students for careers in art therapy.
The study at the Academy is organized in class associations. Overall, the Academy accommodates twenty-three classes, led by professors, who each stand for an individual approach to contemporary fine art. These classes are complemented by twenty study workshops and a library, as well as seminars and lectures in art science, philosophy and didactics.[14]
The following study programs are offered:
Free Art (Diploma)
Art Education (State Examination and Master Degree)
Interior Architecture (Bachelor and Master Degree)
Admission to the Academy's programs typically requires the submission of a portfolio demonstrating artistic aptitude. Successful applicants are invited to participate in practical and oral examinations. Proficiency in the German language is generally expected, as most courses are taught in German.[15][16]
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