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Residenz (Residence)
The Residenz in Munich dates from 1385, when it originated as a small castle. Successive members of the Wittelsbach dynasty expanded the original 14th-century castle to create a complex of palaces around seven courtyards. The elaborate rooms contain antiques, sculptures, paintings and tapestries amassed by the Wittelsbachs between the 16th and 19th centuries. There are no regular guided tours, although a free audio guide is available in five languages, including English. Other royal treasures are on show in the Schatzkammer (Treasury). The entire Residenz complex, including the rococo Cuvilliés-Theater, was rebuilt and restored after being reduced to rubble during WWII. Altstadt Residenzstrasse 1 (entrance at Max-Joseph-Platz 3) Munich 80333 Munich Germany Tel: (089) 290 671. Web: www.residenz-muenchen.de Opening hours: <p>Daily 0900-1800 (Apr-mid-Oct); daily 1000-1700 (mid-Oct-Mar).</p> Admission Fee: <p>Yes</p> Disabled Access: Yes Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace) Located on the western edge of the city, the Nymphenburg Palace was built between the 17th and 19th centuries to serve as a summer residence for Bavarian royalty. Highlights within the main palace include the late-rococo Steinerner Saal (Hall of Stone) and the Gallery of Beauties - a collection of portraits of beautiful women commissioned by Ludwig I. The extensive grounds conceal four miniature palaces, one of which, the Amalienburg, is considered the most attractive rococo palace in Germany. The Nymphenburg complex also includes the Marstallmuseum, which houses royal coaches and riding equipment, as well as an historic collection of Nymphenburg porcelain, with exhibits from 1747 until the 1920s. Neuhausen-Nymphenburg Schloss Nymphenburg 1 Munich 80638 Munich Germany Tel: (089) 179 080. Web: www.schloss-nymphenburg.de Opening hours: <p>Daily 0900-1800 (Apr-mid-Oct); daily 1000-1600 (mid-Oct-Mar).</p> Admission Fee: <p>Yes</p> Disabled Access: Yes The Three Pinakotheks The Three Pinakotheks are Munich's trio of acclaimed art galleries. The Alte Pinakothek (Old Gallery), constructed in the 19th century, is home to one of the world's oldest and most important collections of paintings by European Old Masters, including Dürer, Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens. The Neue Pinakothek (New Gallery), located opposite in a modern building, was conceived by Ludwig I, as a showcase for contemporary art. The museum houses European painting and sculpture from the second half of the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. German paintings from the 19th century form the core of the collection. The third Pinakothek der Moderne (Gallery of Modern Art) is considered among the world's greatest collections of 20th- and 21st-century art, with four major museums under one roof, featuring modern art, applied arts, graphic art and architecture. Maxvorstadt Barer Strasse 27-40 Munich 80333 Munich Germany Tel: (089) 2380 5216 (Alte Pinakothek) or 5195 (Neue Pinakothek) or 5360 (Pinakothek der Moderne). Web: www.pinakothek.de Opening hours: <p>Alte Pinakothek: Tues-Sun 1000-1800 (Tues until 2000).</p><p>Neue Pinakothek: Wed-Mon 1000-1800 (Wed until 2000).</p><p>Pinakothek der Moderne: Tues-Sun 1000-1800 (Thurs until 2000).</p> Admission Fee: <p>Yes</p> Disabled Access: Yes |
