Munich: Germany's Cultural Capital

The Museums in Munich

With 46 museums and collections, 56 theatres including an opera house and 3 large orchestras, Munich is known as Germany’s cultural capital. Munich’s museums and galleries house some of the most important art in the world. The entire palette of European culture can be admired in the collections of the numerous galleries. Among the most prominent are Alte Pinakothek  where more than 800 masterpieces by European artists bring to life the development of art from the Middle Ages to the end of the Rococo period; the Bavarian National Museum, which is one of the largest art and cultural history museums in Europe; and the Munich city museum, which stages the urban and cultural history of Munich with a series of special exhibitions and events.

Palaces

The city of Munich is home to some magnificent palaces. Nymphenburg, one time summer residence of the Wittelsbach family, is a key feature of the sightseeing program for the city all through the year. From its foundation in 1664 until the middle of the previous century, construction continued on one of the largest baroque palaces that still remains intact today.

Theatres and Concerts

The diverse theatres in Munich offer a varied program. The world’s greatest opera and ballet stars appear in the Bavarian State opera in the national Theatre. During the summer, the famous Opera Festival performances attract thousands of visitors. Renowned theatres are also the Gartnerplatztheater und Prinzregententheater, which stages operetta, ballet and performances of the theatre academy. The Deutsches Theater puts on topical shows and musicals. Classical and modern elocution theatre is offered in many ply houses such as in the Residenztheater and the Munchner Kammerspiele.