Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts

Honorary body for art and literature founded in 1948 — awards prizes, stages public cultural events, and unites leading figures from all artistic disciplines in Bavaria.

The Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts was founded in 1948 and describes itself as the highest custodian of art in the Free State of Bavaria. It brings together eminent figures from literature, the visual arts, music and the performing arts — membership is considered one of the most prestigious cultural honours in Bavaria. The Academy is based at Max-Joseph-Platz in Munich's historic Residenz quarter and awards its own prizes, organises public readings, concerts and symposia. Founded in the immediate postwar years, it was conceived from the outset as a counterweight to state cultural policy — a place where free artistic thinking is nurtured. Today it numbers around 300 members from the German-speaking world and beyond.