The Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, Germany, is where you’ll find this Baroque marvel. In German, Schloss Nymphenburg means the Palace of the Nymphs. Looking like it’s straight out of a Disney palace, this is a must on your list of things to do in Munich! The Nymphenburg Palace Park is one of the premier royal palaces of Europe.
It’s even more extensive than Versailles! Having changed a lot (as castles do) over the years, the Nymphenburg Palace has been the principal summer residence for the former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach. All of this, making it one of the most famous sights in München! And hence why I made sure it was on my list for my one day in Munich! If you have more time in Germany, check out Baden-Württemberg, which is south-west Germany.
The Nymphenburg Palace in Munich
The original shape of the Nymphenburg summer residence was just a large cubic pavilion. Built in 1679 with a court church, several outbuildings, and a small garden surrounding it. Its current day size is due to elector Max Emanuel who reigned from 1680-1726. Today it not only encompasses the original pavilion but the Nymphenburg Park around it.
Over the years, the palace has gone through several incarnations. Bringing with it several different styles, such as baroque, rococo, and neoclassical. The baroque facades themselves are 700 meters (about 2297 feet) in width. As you walk through the palace, you begin to see the many different styles that encompass this magnificent Munich palace.
The Marble Hall / Great Hall
The central building you start the audio-guided tour in is the original part of the Nymphenburg Palance. In the Marble Hall or the Great Hall, you’ll find ornate rococo stucco-work. Honestly, it’s breathtaking. Considered one of the best large-scale interiors in the late court Rococo style.
If you look up, there’s a gorgeous and colossal ceiling painting depicting Olympian heaven, symbolizing the duty of the ruler to bring and receive peace. In reference to its namesake, nymphs pay homage to the nymph Flora who has become a goddess. The Marble Hall / Great Gall has been unchanged since 1758. It’s considered an authentic rococo room and is simply a marvel to behold.
The North Salettl
After his return from exile in France in 1715, Max Emanuel, who reigned from 1679–1726 began decorating his summer residence. This hall is an intact example of the French style of interior design at the time. You’ll see his portrait and that of his second wife, Therese Kunigunde, here. Lots and lots and lots of gold adorn this room. On the walls, clock, dresser, frame, etc. I can’t find any figures on how much it cost to build Nymphenburg Palance in Munich, but I can only imagine it’s a LOT!
The Antechamber
There’s even more royal opulence in the antechamber, but what caught my eye was this table. It is from the Medici court workshop in Florence, Italy. The Medici’s were avid supporters of the arts. They financed the invention of the piano and opera, funded the construction of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria del Fiore. They were also patrons of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo.
Guest Apartment Bedchamber
This suite was a guest apartment from the mid-18th century onward. Around 1803 the rooms were redecorated to what you see today. The portraits of ladies on the wall are considered the Little Gallery of Beauties. They feature only women of the court at Nymphenburg Palance in Munich. The ceiling painting is of the sea goddess Thetis and dates from around 1674. Thought I honestly think she looks like Medusa a bit with that hair.
The North Gallery
The North Gallery was the ceremonial entry point into Max Emanuel’s apartment, which is now inaccessible. In this gallery, visitors of Nymphenburg Pal