This stunning theater, designed by
François Cuvilliés, is another highlight of the
Residenz. With a four year renovation completed in mid-2008, the theater has been restored to its rightful place as one of the most beautiful theaters in all of Europe.
Cuvilliés, a Belgian-born Bavarian, first came to the attention of Max Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria, as a court dwarf. The Elector quickly recognized the the fact that the diminutive Cuvilliés possessed a certain brilliance in designing military fortifications and sent him to Paris to study. (The histories of both men are quite interesting.) Returning to Munich, Cuvilliés brought with him the new designs of Paris. During his lifetime, he brought the Rococo style to Germany with masterpieces of architecture in
Amalienburg in the
Schloss Nymphenburg park, the
Residenztheater (known as the
Cuvilliés Theatre), and the facade of the
Theatinerkirche, all in Munich. His extraordinary works influenced many of the greatest architects in Europe.
Like the
Residenz, the theater has a curious and somewhat complicated history. Designed and constructed for Elector Max III Joseph by Cuvilliées, the
Residenztheater, or "Cuvilliés Theatre" was constructed between 1751-1755 to replace the original theater destroyed by fire. Although the
Residenz, including the "Cuvilliés Theatre", was destroyed during World War II, the stunning carved and gilded boxes had been removed and stored for protection. Following the war, the
Residenztheatre was rebuilt in its present location in the 1950's. Another four year major renovation of the
Cuvilliés Theater was completed in June of 2008.
The theater is can be somewhat difficult to find (see photograph of the entrance sign). The entrance is located in one of the main courtyards which are very interesting in their own right. Entering the theater, one is confronted with a simple yet very elegant white outer lobby that belies the opulence and bold colors of the interior of the theater. The interior lobby is also simple, but elegant. The theater itself is small by today's standards, but it does make-up for it's size with elegant Rococo style. The carving is exquisite, the gilded boxes are salient and demanding of attention, and the physical blending of colors is striking. The overall experience is one of awe. (As is true of many theaters, the lighting is quite dim and taking photographs requires steady hands.)
Little time is required to visit this jewel of Munich, and although many people spend only a very few minutes admiring this spectacular theater, it is very worthwhile to just sit in the ground floor seats for 20 or 30 minutes and then do the same from the balconies. This allows the overpowering beauty to
seep into one's memory bank. Closing one's eyes for a few seconds and opening them to gaze on a different part of the theater, is an excellent way of visually exploring different sections. This unforgettable theater is one of the places in which I always think that I should have stayed longer.
This theater has the capacity to leave one almost breathless. It is a wonderful place to allow one's imagination to drift back to an earlier time of nobles, aristocracy, and royalty.
Note: It is worthwhile to view the images in "Full Size." Just click on one of the photos or the photo icon next to the number indicating the number of photos in the review. Then click on the selected photograph in the ribbon and click on "Full Size" under each image .
From journal Munich, Germany - Spring 2009