About
The Residenz (German word for residence) in the city center of Munich, Bavaria was the former royal residence of the Bavarian Dukes, Electors and Kings. Today it is one of the finest room decoration museums in Europe.

The complex of buildings contains ten courtyards and the museum displays 130 rooms. The three main parts are the Königsbau (near the Max-Joseph-Platz), the Alte Residenz (towards the Residenzstraße) and the Festsaalbau (towards the Hofgarten).

History of the Residenz Palace
Built in 1385 and known as the Neuveste, the first tenant at the Residenz Palace was Duke Stephan III, who reigned from 1375 to 1392. His tenure in the palace was followed by Duke Wilhelm IV, who was king from 1508-1550. Both men immediately began adding to the palace.

Architecture
The first buildings at this site were erected in the year 1385. The new castle replaced the Old Court as residence of the Wittelsbach rulers.

Inside the palace
The Antiquarium (Hall of Antiquities), built in 1568-1571 for the antique collection of Albert V by Wilhelm Egkl and Jacobo Strada, is the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps.

The treasury
Founded by Albert V the house jewels of the Wittelsbach are today on display in the Schatzkammer, ten halls in the east wing of the Königsbau. The collection is one of the most important in the world and spans 1000 years from the early Middle Ages to Classicism.

The coin collection
Founded already by Albert V. the Residenz houses also the Bavarian state's coin collection. With more than 300.000 coins, medals and banknotes from the ancient world to the present time it is one of the world's leading collections.

The Court Garden
The Court Garden (Hofgarten) at the northern side opposite to the Festsaalbau was laid out under Maximilian I. In the middle of the park in French style a circular temple (1615) is crowned by a statue of Bavaria (1594 by Hubert Gerhard).

Hours:
Daily 9am-4pm

Prices:
Combination ticket for Residenzmuseum and Schatzkammer 9€ ($10) adults, 4.50€ ($5.20) students/seniors, free for ages 15 and under. Ticket for either Schatzkammer or Residenzmuseum 6€ ($6.90) adults, 3€ ($3.45) seniors/students, free for ages 16 and under