The Residenz

4 April 2015 (Saturday) -  The Residenz, The Treasury and Cuvillies Theatre.  Having been introduced to the Residenz during the Third Reich Tour, I decided to make a trip to the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs of the House of the Wittelsbach in the centre of the city of Munich. 

The Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and is renowned for its architecture, room decorations and former royal collections.  

The Konigsbau Entrance (near the Max-Joseph-Platz)

The Alte Residenz Entrance (Along Residenzstrasse) 

A Lion statue in front of the Alte Residenz Entrance

Step into the Residenz and you will be greeted by the Hall of Anquities (Antiquarium).  Probably the most renowned attraction with the Residenz, it was built between 1568 to 1600 for the antique collection of Duke Albert V.

69m long magnificent Renaissance hall with 17 pairs of windows

The ceiling was adorned with paintings

Statues and figurines line the hall

The various Bavarian rulers of the different dynasties furnished and extended the rooms to suit their own personal tastes, engaging important artists for the purpose.  As such, a visit to the Residenz is akin to visiting a friend's house except that its on a much grander scale with many more rooms and expensive furniture.  I apologise for the brief descriptions below as there were just too many rooms with various details to remember!

According to the museum description,
no one has ever slept on this bed before.

Uniquely styled commodes are a common sight in the palace

Ornate rooms

Charlotte Room

Schlafzimmer a.k.a. Bedroom

Court chapel

Ornate Chapel

Display in the Ornate Chapel

The Baroque Ancestral Gallery in Rococo Style...

 ...Which feels like a Hall of Fame

The Green Gallery 

With its extricate carvings lining the door frames

Grotto Courtyard

After the Residenz Museum, I headed to the Treasury.  Founded by Duke Albert V, it houses the jewels of the Wittelsbach Dynasty.  The collection is one of the most valuable in the world and includes works from rock crystals, ivory, jewellery, religious, ceremonial swords, cups and tableware.

Renaissance Saint George's Statue 

The Bavarian Crown Insignia

Religious relics carved from ivory

Miniature sewing machines from the past

Lastly, the Cuvillies Theatre (Old Residenz Theatre) which was located slightly further off from the Residenz.  It looked almost like our Esplanade Theatre.  Created by the architect Francois Cuvillies the Elder and Munich court artists from 1751 to 1755, this court theatre is a masterpiece of rococo art.

The Cuvilles Theatre

 Rested my tired feet in one of the seats here

Royal box for the dignitaries

Aisle seats which looked extremely comfy

 Stairways to the royal box seats... Let it go... Let it go...

Finally, the Konigsbau (King's Tract) was closed for renovation, hence the 19th century porcelain collections, the apartments of Queen Therese and King Ludwig I were not accessible to public.  Nevertheless, I believe it was good enough!  And I'm sure there are many more opportunities to visit the castle in the next two months...