The Munich Glyptotheque is one of the most important museums in Germany and Europe. It is the oldest museum in Munich and is entirely dedicated to ancient sculpture. The name "Glyptothek" is a modern word, invented on a Greek model. It derives in fact from the union of the ancient Greek words “glyphein” (chisel) and “theke” (shelf), thus designating a storage place for the sculptures. The building that houses the Glyptotheque was built starting from 1815 in a neoclassical style. Promoter was the King of Bavaria Ludwig I, who wanted to give a new arrangement to the city and to the emerging square, Koenigsplatz. The colonnade of the entrance is in Ionic style and is interspersed with statues of divinities, artists and patrons of the classical era. The rich collection houses sculptures, mosaics and reliefs of ancient art, from the Archaic period (18th century BC) to the Late Roman Empire. The sections are chronologically divided between Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Greek art and Roman art. Among the most important pieces in the collection are the archaic figures from the temple of Athena Afaia in Aegina from around 500 BC, the Barberini Faun from around 220 BC and the Alessandro Rondanini from around 338 BC. A part of the Ara di Domizio Enobarbus, the Roman copy of the Hellenistic statue of the Vecchia Ubriaca (2nd century BC), dates back to the late Republican period.

In front of the Glyptotheque there is also the Staatliche Antikensammlungen, where it is possible to admire a rich collection of Greek and Etruscan vases, porcelain and glass works, bronze and terracotta statues and jewels.

The two museums can be visited with a single ticket.