Residenz Munich: The largest inner-city palace in Germany

The Residenz: The most important information at a glance

• What makes it special : The Residenz in the center of Munich is the largest city palace in Germany
• What you must see : The bronze halls with their sculptures, the Hercules Hall (Herkulessaal), which is used as a concert hall until today, the All Saints' Court Church (Allerheiligen-Hofkirche), the Treasury and, of course, the royal apartment of bavarian king Ludwig I. It's best to sign up for one of the guided tours
• What distinguishes the Residenz culturally : With the Cuvilliés Theater and the Residenz Theater, two of Munich's most important venues belong to the Residenz. In addition, there are the Residenz Serenades or the concerts in the All Saints' Court Church
• What the outdoor facilities offer : The Residenz is surrounded by the Hofgarten (Court Garden) park area and Max-Joseph-Platz, two sights you shouldn't miss.
• Directions: You can get to the famous Residenz theater with tram 21 (St. Veit strasse) from the Munich central station, or the S-bahn (S1 or S8) and stop at Marienplatz.

Highlights of the Residenz: Treasury, Hercules Hall, Bronze Rooms

The bronze halls of the Residenz contain over 40 original bronze sculptures from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, which are also opened to visitors several times a year. 

The New Hercules Hall (Herkulessaal) was built on the site of the former Throne Hall. A monument of neoclassicism, it was funded and made possible by a donation of millions from the broadcasting company. To this day, more than 1,000 guests visit to listen to not only classical but also modern pop concerts.

Of course you can also marvel at expensive works of art - in Munich's best-kept rooms, the  Treasury of the Residenz. Many a visitor will have secretly wished to wear the crown of the Bavarian kings on his head at least once in his life.

• Find out more about the Treasury

Classicist extensions: Court Garden, Max-Joseph-Platz, Court Church

Under Bavarian King Ludwig I, the Residenz took on its present appearance. By 1842, the mighty building on Max-Joseph-Platz , its counterpart in the Hofgarten (Court Garden) , as well as the National Theater and the Court Church had been built.

The representative royal apartment of Ludwig I is one of the highlights of the tour. 

The Hofgarten with the round Diana Temple in its center celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2013 and is one of the most popular places to stay in downtown Munich - which is mainly due to its enchanting ambience.

Culture in the Residenz: The Cuvilliéstheater and the Residenztheater

One of the most magnificent sequences of rooms in the Munich Residenz was built during the Baroque and Rococo periods. 

An extremely important extension was built by 1753: The Cuvilliéstheater.
Vivid red and lots of gold dominate the four-story gem, where concerts and smaller operas are still performed today.

The Residenztheater on Max-Joseph-Platz has a more modern design:
Built in 1951, the venue now seats more than 1,000 spectators.

History of the Residenz: From fortress to Renaissance palace

The starting point of the Wittelsbacher Residenz was the Neuveste, a Gothic moated castle dating from 1385, which grew to immense size over the centuries in the northeast of the city center.

The first building of the new residence on the Neuveste was to be the first museum north of the Alps: The Antiquarium, completed in 1571. Further parts of the palace followed shortly after that. The Brunnenhof court also dates from this period. The Neuveste had to give way to the ornate Renaissance castle to make more room.

During the bombing nights of the Second World War, the Residenz was badly damaged and lay partially open except for the first floor. However, the city palace was successfully rebuilt within a few years after the war ended.

Admission charges:

• Residence Museum: 9 Euro regular, 8 Euro reduced
• Treasury: 9 euros regular, 8 euros reduced
• Cuvilliés-Theater: 5 Euro regular, 4 Euro reduced
• Under 18s: Free admission to all 3 museums
• Court Garden: Free admission

Opening hours for the Residenz in Munich

Opening hours:

• The Munich Residence is open daily.
• Public holidays: all buildings are closed on 1 January, Shrove Tuesday and 24, 25 and 31 December.

Opening hours for the Residence Museum and Treasury:

• April-15 October: daily 9 am-6 pm (last entry: 5 pm)
• 16 October-March: daily 10 am-5 pm (last entry: 4 pm)

History and architecture: from the fortress to the Renaissance castle

The "Neuveste", a gothic moated castle dating from 1385, originally stood on the site of the residence. From 1508 to 1918, the Bavarian princes expanded it into a magnificent residence and seat of ruling

• The Antiquarium was the first building of the new residence to be completed in 1571.
• Under Ludwig I, the mighty Königsbau on Max-Joseph-Platz, the Festsaalbau on the Hofgarten  and the Allerheiligen-Hofkirche were built in 1842.
• After the end of the monarchy, the Residenz was converted into a spatial art museum, which opened in 1920.
• During the bombing nights of World War II, the Residenz was badly damaged and lay partially open except for the first floor. However, most of the movable inventory was salvaged in time and the building was rebuilt within a few years.