Visit this elaborate palace in the centre of Munich to learn about the lavish lifestyles of Bavaria’s former ruling class.
The Residenz is a majestic palace where past Bavarian kings, electors and dukes lived between the years of 1508 and 1918. It also served as the city’s seat of government. Each of the palace’s sovereign rulers over the centuries left their own legacy in the form of architectural additions, such as extensions to the structure and new designs to the interior. Visit the palace today to discover the diverse range of styles, including renaissance, baroque, rococo and neoclassical architecture.
Browse the preserved flats, chapels and ceremonial halls in the Residenz Museum to get a glimpse into the luxurious regimes of the former Bavarian rulers. Marvel at the priceless items dotted around these rooms, which are packed with ornate fixtures, statues, tapestries and porcelain.
The Treasury of the Residenz is an area that displays jewels and crowns amassed by the Wittelsbach, a former family dynasty, and other past rulers. Admire the collection of “sacred treasures” in this part of the palace. Use the complimentary audio guide, which is available in English, to learn about the history of some of these precious items.
Stroll through extravagant courtyards in the Residenz. One of the highlights is the Grotto Courtyard. The name refers to a small cavern in the palace that is ornate with shells and a fountain.
Today there are classical music concerts in the Old Court Chapel, which is one of the venues where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed centuries ago. Now, you can listen to the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra’s renditions of compositions from past masters such as Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart.
There is a small fee to enter the museum and treasury sections of the palace. The Residenz opens daily except on public holidays. Opening times vary depending on the season, with longer opening hours in summer. Check the official Residenz website for up-to-date details and ticket discounts.
You will find the Residenz in the northeast of central Munich. Take the metro system to Odeonsplatz Station, which is right by the palace.
