Pinakothek der Moderne & Westfriedhof – Architecture, Art, and Light in Munich

2014-10-03

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Minimalism, geometry, and bold color design in two of Munich’s most iconic visual spaces

This photoseries explores two of Munich’s most photogenic locations: the Pinakothek der Moderne, one of Europe’s leading museums for modern art and architecture, and the iconic Westfriedhof U-Bahn station, known worldwide for its dramatic lighting design.

Pinakothek der Moderne – Architecture as Art

The Pinakothek der Moderne is a masterpiece of contemporary museum architecture, and the building itself becomes the main subject of this collection. Its clean minimalism, sweeping curves, vast white walls, and signature glass rotunda offer endless opportunities for architectural photography.

Highlights from the shoot include:

The central glass dome, captured from directly below, showing perfect radial symmetry
Abstract ceiling elements, revealing geometric patterns created by intersecting beams and soft daylight
Long white corridors, where visitors become silhouettes against the museum’s calm, open space
The interplay of light and shadow, especially in staircases and curved walkways
Color contrasts, such as bright art installations placed against minimal white interiors

The Pinakothek der Moderne is a playground for photographers who love minimalism, geometry, and the purity of architectural form.

Westfriedhof U-Bahn – Light, Color, and Underground Atmosphere

After the museum, the session continued at Westfriedhof U-Bahn station, famous for its enormous dome lamps glowing in yellow, red, and blue.

This station is a perfect example of how public transport architecture can become a design statement.

Captured elements include:

The long, symmetrical platform illuminated by massive colored domes
Strong color temperature contrasts (cool blue walls vs. warm yellow light)
Repeating lines, vanishing points, and tunnel-like perspectives

The combination of bold colors and industrial minimalism makes Westfriedhof a visually striking complement to the museum’s elegance.

A Visual Dialogue Between Two Spaces

While the Pinakothek der Moderne reflects calm, daylight minimalism, Westfriedhof showcases dramatic, artificial color. Together, they form a visual story about architecture, design, and how light shapes our perception of space — one above ground, one below.