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Born in Nocrich, originated in the German lesser nobility from Transylvania. He studied law, political administration and philosophy at the universities of Halle and Jena being trained up in the spirit of the European Enlightenment. An appreciated scholar and a qualified diplomat, Brukenthal worked his way up at the Viennese Imperial Court and finally he became "aulic" chancellor of Transylvania.
That was the time he made up his painting collection. In 1773 it was mentioned in Almanach von Wien and considered as one of the most valuable private collections to be found in Vienna at that time. Sharing the interest in sciences of his time, Brukenthal collected rare books, numismatics, archaeological and mineral items as well.
Brukenthal got back to Sibiu as he was appointed governor of Transylvania and built up a palace in a late Baroque style in the Large Square.
In an enlightened gesture, Brukenthal generously disposed the opening of the Palace, as a public museum in his last will.