The Old Pinakothek is a picture gallery in Munich, which rightfully ranks among the most important galleries in the world. Works by artists from the Middle Ages to the middle of the 18th century are presented here. The gallery was founded by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, who was a passionate lover of fine art and bought many paintings, mostly by old German artists and works of the Italian Renaissance. The royal collection was scattered in different palaces and thus could not be seen by the people. Embraced by the idea of public education, Ludwig I made it his duty to make his cultural wealth available to the public. To realize this goal, he commissioned the architect Leo von Klenze to construct the building. The museum opened its doors on October 16, 1836, and at that time was the largest museum in the world.