The Munich Residenz (Residence) was the principle palace and government seat of the Wittelsbachs from 1508 to 1918. The Wittelsbachs began as Bavarian dukes, then electors beginning in 1623, and finally rose to the title of kings in 1806. The Residenz has been a museum since 1920. This palace complex has over 100 rooms representing a variety of architectural styles representing 400 years of building and renovating, including Renaissance, Early Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical. The complex was bombed during WWII, so much of it had to be rebuilt. My husband and I visited the Residenz on a stay in Munich and appreciated the opportunity to walk the halls and rooms showcasing the spaces where Bavarian rulers lived and worked for four centuries. Opulence is an understatement!
Munich Residenz (Residenz München) | Residenzstraße 1, Munich | +49 89 29067-1
Highlights of a visit to the Residenz
Residenz Museum
Visitors take a self-guided tour of the museum with the aid of an audio guide. Highlights of the Residenz are the:
Ancestral Gallery, created in the mid-1700s, is a long hall with a towering family tree painted on a wall along with over a hundred portraits of Wittlesbach family members – a fitting way to display their prominence and power.
In the Grotto Courtyard is a massive design created in the late 1500s (and redesigned in the early 1700s) that incorporates tufa, stalagmite, stalactite, shells, and crystals
The Antiquarium is a massive hall originally planned by Duke Albrecht V in the 1500s to display his ancient busts and art collection. That explains the name of the space. Later, Duke Wilhelm V transformed it into a ceremonial hall, adding a dais at one end where the royal family dined on special occasions – in full view of those lacking royal blood.
The Yellow Staircase is a grand entrance to the Bavarian king’s apartments.
King Ludwig I had the Court Church of All Saints buiilt after visiting the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Sicily. It had elaborate artwork that was destroyed in WWII. Today, visitors can view the skeletal brick arches and walls.
There are many other rooms, including the Music Room, audience chambers, the Cabinet of Mirrors, bedrooms, and galleries exhibiting paintings and an extensive porcelain collection.
The Treasury
The Wittlesbach’s treasury displays precious gold and gem-studded royal crowns, swords, religious displays, and more. Information on each piece is well explained in the audioguide, and it’s easy to go through the Treasury rooms at your own pace.
The Cuvilliés Theater
The theater was built between 1751 and 1755 for the Bavarian ruler Elector Max III Joseph. Prior to WWII, much of the interior was removed – and the Residenz was subsequently bombed – but restored years later.
Hours of Operation and Admission
Open April to mid-October from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; mid-October to March from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed January 1, December 24, 25, and 31.
NOTE: Please check online to verify current hours of operation and admission costs.
Admission to Residenz Palace
- Residence Museum €10
- Treasury €10
- Combination ticket: Residence Museum + Treasury €15
- Cuvilliés Theatre €5
- Combination ticket: Residence Museum + Treasury + Cuvilliés Theatre €20
Tips for Your Visit to the Residenz
- This is a self-guided tour through the palace. You will receive an audio guide with your ticket, so you can go through the rooms at your own pace.
- You could easily spend 2-3+ hours in the museum, the treasury, and the theater. There’s that much to see. But if your itinerary doesn’t allow that much time, you can streamline your visit by walking through some rooms without pausing.
- To continue your visit, consider walking out of the museum and around the complex to the Hofgarten, a spacious public park originally built in the early 1600s and rebuilt after it was destroyed in World War II.
- Watch the Residenz YouTube video to get an overview of the palace.
- Informational signs are displayed in German and English.
- Restrooms are near the ticket office.
- There is a museum gift shop.
How to Get to the Residenz
The palace is located in downtown Munich, near the popular Marienplatz, making it easily walkable from the central historic section of town.
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Final Thoughts
My husband and I have visited plenty of European palaces and castles over the years. Despite that, the Munich Residence was a treat because of its size, some unique spaces, and the treasury. One of my favorite rooms was the Ancestral Gallery, in which I could just imagine how impressive the hundreds of portraits must have been to visiting dignitaries centuries ago. Another is the Antiquarium which made a point of separating royalty from others using a raised platform to elevate them above all others. The treasury was interesting as its displays showed intricate handiwork of skilled artisans who produced magnificent pieces for the royals, incorporating themes and precious metals and stones. The Residence is rightly a popular tourist draw; visitors leave with an understanding of the importance the Wittlebachs placed on maintaining their prominence, power, and position in society and their world.
Comments?
Feel free to share your experiences and/or suggestions for other places to visit in Munich. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
