Finish your brat and beer before visiting the Neue Pinakothek 

I love beer. But good things come to those who wait. If you are like me and possess a passion for that delicious fermented stew of grain and yeast the decision to go to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany may be a no-brainer. If you need that extra push, I have a proposition for you that will get you on a plane ASAP.

Munich is home to a lot of things; from abnormally tall but gorgeous people, to a whole plethora of history with all the highs and lows one would expect from such a fascinating country. One of the greatest attributes of this city, in my humble opinion, is their vast artistic culture. If you have a penchant for 18^th and 19^th century European art, then a visit to the Neue Pinakothek is a must. WARNING: Sartle strongly suggests that you visit the museum before you enter into the meat and beer coma that inevitably befalls overzealous festival goers.

Neue Pinakothek is one of the most notorious and important 19^th century art museums in the world. The former King Ludwig I of Bavaria founded the museum in 1853. Ludwig began collecting contemporary art in 1809, which in turn became the foundation for the collection of the Neue Pinakothek. It comes as no surprise that any German museum that cultivates a modern vibe was met with hardship when WWII rolled around. Hitler was a real stickler about art and he felt that any work that veered away from representational (hence, most modern art) was "degenerate" and posed a threat to decent society. Not that he knew much about decency. Due to the fuhrer's taste in art, the Nazi regime confiscated a handful of works from this institution, including a self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh.

In conjunction with the Alte Pinakothek, these two museums make up Munich’s main artistic attractions. So between the art, the beer, and the fascinating culture, I would say that a trip is well worth your while. Prost!