Von Klenze studied architecture and public building finance under Friedrich Gilly in Berlin, and worked as an apprentice to Charles Percier and Pierre François Léonard Fontaine in Paris.

[citation needed] The Alte Pinakothek was situated in an open park land, the Kunstareal, and became a national gallery.

The Alte Pinakothek was acknowledged as the most advanced museum building in Europe and von Klenze was invited to London in 1836 by the House of Commons.

Von Klenze detailed the educational and political aspects of the Munich museums, which were free to the public.

Von Klenze was invited to Athens to submit plans of city reconstruction in the style of Ancient Greece.