Magic Bavaria is a playful museum at Pelkovenstrasse 145 in the north-west of Munich that reinterprets Bavarian icons through optical illusions and photo backdrops. The tour description describes it as a way to discover Bavaria's highlights in a new way through interactive displays, and it includes a ball pit, which gives it a family-friendly slant. A fast-track visit takes about 90 minutes in groups of up to 14, and the museum is designed for taking pictures, so bring a phone or camera and expect to pose in front of scenes, tricks of perspective and staged settings. It opens from 11am to 7pm on Monday and from Wednesday to Friday, and from 10am to 7pm at the weekend, and it is closed on Tuesdays. The rating is 4.0 from 24 reviews, a modest but honest score that reflects an attraction aimed at fun rather than scholarship. It is an easy choice for a rainy afternoon with children and teenagers, and a good option for families who have seen enough palaces and churches. Adults who want a serious look at Bavarian history will do better at the Bavarian National Museum or the Residenz, but those who enjoy novelty and photography will find an hour and a half of light entertainment. A combined ticket with SEA LIFE Munich is offered on the booking page, which makes a convenient family bundle.
How to plan your visit
The address is Pelkovenstrasse 145, 80992 Munich, in the Moosach area, so it is not in the old town and takes a little planning to reach. Check public transport directions before you set out. Book a fast-track time slot online, because groups are capped at 14 and busy weekends or holidays can sell out. The visit takes about an hour and a half.
When to go
Weekday afternoons are usually calmer, while weekends and school holidays fill up, especially when the weather is wet. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your day around that. Opening hours are 11am to 7pm on Monday and Wednesday to Friday, and 10am to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. Allow extra time if you want to take many photographs, and consider quiet times for fewer people in your pictures.
Things to know
The museum is built around photographs, so charge your phone and wear comfortable clothes, since you may be posing in different positions. Children enjoy the ball pit, and the interactive displays suit a wide age range. The booking page offers a bundle with SEA LIFE Munich, which is a reasonable choice for a family day, though the two attractions are in different parts of the city, so check the travel time.
For traditional museums, see the Deutsches Museum and the Residenz, and for a larger family outing, Hellabrunn Zoo is the best option in good weather.
What to expect
The experience
An interactive museum of optical illusions and photo backdrops about Bavaria, with a ball pit, visited on a timed fast-track slot of up to 14 people.
Best time
Weekday afternoons. Weekends and school holidays are busier.
How long
About an hour and a half.
Tips
Closed on Tuesdays. Book a slot online. Charge your phone for photographs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and teenagers who enjoy photos and playful, interactive displays.
- Families
- A good rainy-day choice with a ball pit and plenty of hands-on scenes.
- Couples
- A light, silly outing rather than a romantic one.
- Pair with
- SEA LIFE Munich, which is offered as a combined ticket, or Hellabrunn Zoo on another day.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half.
Good questions
Where is Magic Bavaria Museum?+
At Pelkovenstrasse 145, 80992 Munich, in the Moosach area in the north-west of the city.
When is it open?+
Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 11am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm, and closed on Tuesdays.
How long is a visit?+
About an hour and a half on a fast-track slot, in groups of up to 14.
What is inside?+
Interactive displays with optical illusions and photo backdrops about Bavaria, plus a ball pit.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes. The hands-on displays and the ball pit are popular with families.
