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Residenz Review

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Residenz

Address: Max-Joseph-Pl. 3, entrance through archway at Residenzstr. 1, City Center, Munich | Map It
Phone: 089/290-671

Royal Palace

Category: Castles/Palaces
Location: Royal Munich

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Fodor's Review:

One of the city's true treasures, Munich's royal palace began as a small castle in the 14th century. The Wittelsbach dukes moved here when the tenements of an expanding Munich encroached upon their Alter Hof. In succeeding centuries the royal residence developed according to the importance, requirements, and interests of its occupants. It came to include the Königsbau (on Max-Joseph-Platz) and then (clockwise) the Alte Residenz; the Festsaal (Banquet Hall); the newly renovated Altes Residenztheater/Cuvilliés-Theater; the Allerheiligenhofkirche (All Saints' Church), a venue for cultural events; the Residenztheater; and the Nationaltheater.

Building began in 1385 with the Neuveste (New Fortress), which comprised the northeast section. Most of it burned to the ground in 1750, but one of its finest rooms survived: the 16th-century Antiquarium, which was built for Duke Albrecht V's collection of antique statues (today it's used chiefly for state receptions). The throne room of King Ludwig I, the Neuer Herkulessaal, is now a concert hall. The accumulated Wittelsbach treasures are on view in several palace museums. The Schatzkammer (Treasury. EUR 6, combined ticket with Residenzmuseum EUR 9. Apr.-Oct. 15, daily 9-6; Oct. 16-Mar., daily 10-4) has a rather rich centerpiece—a small Renaissance statue of St. George studded with 2,291 diamonds, 209 pearls, and 406 rubies. Paintings, tapestries, furniture, and porcelain are housed in the Residenzmuseum (EUR 6. Apr.-Oct. 15, daily 9-6; Oct. 16-Mar., daily 10-4). Antique coins glint in the Staatliche Münzsammlung (EUR 2, free Sun. Wed.-Sun. 10-5). Egyptian works of art make up the Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst (Hofgarten entrance. 089/298-546. EUR 5, Sun. EUR 1. Tues. 9-5 and 7-9PM, Wed.-Fri. 9-5, weekends 10-5). All the different halls and galleries of the Residenz can be visited with a combination ticket that costs EUR 9. In summer, chamber-music concerts take place in the inner courtyard. Also in the center of the complex is the small, rococo Altes Residenztheater/Cuvilliés-Theater (Residenzstr. EUR 3. Closed during rehearsals). It was built by François Cuvilliés between 1751 and 1755, and performances are still held here. The French-born Cuvilliés was a dwarf who was admitted to the Bavarian court as a decorative "bauble." Prince Max Emanuel recognized his innate artistic ability and had him trained as an architect. The prince's eye for talent gave Germany some of its richest rococo treasures.

Closed: Closed a few days in early Jan.
Metro: Odeonsplatz (U-bahn)

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