Germany Travel Advisor Munich Museums

Munich Museums and Castles
Munich and Surronding Areas

Munich Top Attractions
Munich Churches
Munich History and Background

The Residenz
Deutsches Museum
Nymphenburg Palace
BMW Museum

The Residenz
This former residence of the Wittelsbachs is a MUST if you are in Munich. Building was begun in 1385 and additions were continually added. At one point King Ludwig II had an indoor lake built on the second floor. The current complex has 10 courtyards and 130 rooms, though not all are open to visitors.

A favorite room is the Gallery of the Wittelsbach Family. It will probably be the first room that you see. It is filled with family portraits that go back the 700 years that the Wittelsbach were in power. Take a look at the family resemblances. Also, notice how the paintings were cut out of their frames. During WWII the Residenz was used as a public building. Only at the last minute in 1944, when bombing was sure to begin on Munich, was an order made to evacuate the building. The paintings in this room were hastily cut out of their frames and taken to a place of safety.

The Antiquarium is the highlight of the tour. It is the largest Renaissance Hall north of the Alps. It was built around 1570, was completely destroyed in the Second World War, and has been painstakingly rebuilt. Painted in the arches are 120 small paintings that depict the Bavarian villages as they looked in 1550. They are original and survived the bombs.

Outside of the Antiquarium is the Shell Grotto. The original was destroyed. The current one was built according to Nazi photos from Bavarian freshwater shells that were donated by the townspeople of Bavaria.

Don’t miss the Nibelung Rooms. They are a series of 3 rooms that depict scenes from the ancient German folk story, Das Nibelunglied. The story is extremely entertaining and is a great inside into German culture. I recommend reading it before you arrive in Munich. In a quick summary, Siegfried kills a dragon, gains the treasure and become immortal by bathing in the dragons blood. Only from a spot, where a leaf fell on his back, is it possible to kill him. He wants to marry Kriemhilde, but cannot until he helps her brother, Gunther, marry Brunhilde (who will marry the first man that beats her in a competition, she kills everyone that she defeats, she is still unmarried). Siegfried helps Gunther and the two men are both married. Everything gets complicated and a plot to kill Siegfried is made and Siegried is killed. Kriemhilde then plans her revenge and causes the downfall of the Nibelungs.

Admission to the Residenz includes a visit into the treasury where you can see many of the valuable jewels, crowns and gifts that the Bavarian Kings owned. Be sure to get your free hand-held guide to tell you the back stories on the pieces.

All signs are in English and German
Official Website (English and German)

Deutsches Museum

This is Germany’s Smithsonian. Over 10 miles of exhibits traces the evolution of science. Most exhibits are hands-on. If you see a button, push it. If you can climb into an airplane, do it. Unfortunately, all of the exhibits are in German. On the plus side, there are many great photo opportunities.

Official Website

Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

The summer residence of the Wittelsbachs, Nymphenburg Palace was built between 1664 and 1675. The castle is 3 miles away from the center of Munich and easy to reach with public transportation (U-Bahn 17) and a 10 minute walk. The decendents of the Wittlesbachs still live in and use one wing of the palace.

The tour covers 16 rooms on one floor. You go through the King's Wing and end at the Queen's wing. Grab an audio guide to get the most of your visit.

One room not to miss is King Ludwig's Gallery of Beauties (Schoenheits-Galerie). King Ludwig I collected 36 portraits of young beautiful women. The King prided himself on not being concened with rank or appreances. He loved beaufitul women regardless of social status. The portraits range from a princess to a cobbler's daughter. The portraits were once on display at the Residenz, but are not at Schloss Nymphenburg.

Also of interest at Schloss Nymphenburg is the Royal Stables Musuem. Here you can see the ornate carrages that King Ludwig II used to ride around Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein at night, including the coach intended for his wedding which was never used.

Official Website