Cuvilliés-Theater
The much admired old Residenz theater - Europe's most beautiful rococo theater - was built between 1751 and 1753 by master builder Francois Cuvilliés, on the orders of Electoral Prince Max III. Joseph. It was completely destroyed during the war. The interior furnishings were saved however, as they had been put into storage. The new Residenz Theater was built on the surviving foundations in 1951. The Cuvillés Theater was rebuilt in all its glory in the Apothekentrakt of the Residenz. Its repertoire includes mainly operas and ballets.
Contact
Phone: 089 290 671
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Deutsches Theater
The neo-baroque amusement hall "Feenpalast" was built in the late 19th century and opened as a theater in 1896. Throughout its turbulent history, it has not only hosted famous artists, such as the German comedian Karl Valentin, Josephine Baker, or the New York Tiller-Girls, it was also temporarily home to the Parliament Bavarian People's Council during the Räterepublik. After being destroyed in World War II, the theater reopened in 1951 and delighted audiences with performances by Zara Leander, Marika Rökk and others. In 1961, musicals such as "West Side Story" and "My Fair Lady" took over. The broad repertoire of operettas, dance theater, shows, entertainment, musicals, and comedy provides good entertainment. The Deutsche Theater seats 1600, but does not have its own ensemble, making it the largest theater for touring shows in Germany. At the end of theater season, the Deutsches Theater transforms into a ballroom, in which fabulous parties, grandiose masked balls, and exclusive charity events take place - the social highlights of the year.
Contact
Phone:
089 552 344 44
Website:
www.deutsches-theater.de
Address
Drehleier
The Drehleier theater has been part of Munich's cultural scene for over thirty years. Neither the cozy atmosphere, nor the diverse program have lost appeal over the years. Revues, political satire, chansons- and dance shows are shown on stage of this cabaret. Food and drinks are also served. The warm buttered pretzels are one of the most popular snacks.
Contact
Phone:
089 482 742
Website:
www.theater-drehleier.de
Address
Gasteig
The first plans for a new public education center were conceived of in 1955, after Munich's most important cultural centers had been destroyed. The project was to be realized on the banks of the river Isar, on the grounds of the former Gasteig-Spital. In the beginning of the 1970s, an ideas competition was announced. The winning concept was implemented with some restrictions, due to economic reasons. The Gasteig's grand opening took place in 1985. It now houses the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, the Richard-Strauß-Conservatory, the municipal library and the adult education center Volkshochschule. The various function rooms ranging from the large concert hall of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, the small concert hall, the Carl Orff Hall and the Black Box offer space for events and performances of all kinds. Classical and modern concerts, theater, lectures, readings, music festivals and dance theater are all put on stage here. The Gasteig also hosts a variety of events, such as the Munich Book Fair, the Film Festival, and the Jewish Culture Days. The open architecture and the versatile events, institutions and usage possibilities make the Gasteig the most important cultural center in Munich. New location! From October 2021, the largest cultural center in Europe has been based at Hans-Preißinger-Straße 8 in Sendling, called Gasteig HP8. The Gasteig will spend the next few years at its interim premises until the renovation of Rosenheimer Str. 5 is finished.
Contact
Phone:
089 480 980
Website:
www.gasteig.de
GOP Varieté-Theater München
Since September 2008, the international elite of vaudeville gathers in the completely redesigned rooms of the "Kleine Komödie", at the Max II historical monument. The artistic diversity of the GOP Varieté Theater Munich is created by the constantly changing mix of different genres: Acrobatics, juggling, magic and comedy combined make a dazzling story. The guests are right in the middle of it and close to the action. In the restaurant "Leander", as well as in the theater hall, guests can enjoy some delicious treats. Upper class cuisine with fresh regional ingredients and selected wines are served in a classy ambience. For night owls, the bar in the atmospheric foyer stays open even after the show ends.
Contact
Phone:
089 210 288 444
Website:
www.variete.de
Address
Komödie im Bayerischen Hof
This is the only theater of its size in Germany that is located in a luxury hotel. The hotel hostet cultural events as early as 1886 and the auditorium, comissioned by the hotel owner, Falk Volkhart, was opened in 1961. Guests can enjoy musical plays and comedies from classical to modern times, in an elegant atmosphere. Celebrities, such as Hans Clarin, Heiner Lauterbach, or Jutta Speidel can be seen on stage in the theater with its 570 seats. Please note that the shows are in German only.
Contact
Phone:
089 292 810
Website:
www.komoedie-muenchen.de
Address
Münchner Kammerspiele
Germany's only Art Nouveau theater was built in 1900 by Littmann and developed further by Riemerschmid. The Kammerspiele are traditionally avant-garde, making sure that content and aesthetics do not fall prey to appearances and superficiality. The repertoire consists of classical plays and modern productions. Please note that the shows are in German only.
Contact
Phone:
089 233 966 00
Website:
www.muenchner-kammerspiele.de
Address
Münchner Marionettentheater
In 1858 Joseph Schmidt, alias "Papa Schmidt" founded Europe's first puppet theater, which was designed to look like a little palace. In the afternoon, fairy tales and "Punch and Judy"-like shows (Kasperl) are performed for children while in the evening, famous operas are staged for adults. Attention to detail and high artistic quality make a visit to this theater a very special experience for both, old and young.
Contact
Phone:
089 265 712
Website:
www.muenchner-marionettentheater.de
Address
Münchner Volkstheater
Despite its name, the theater, which was opened in 1983, does not show Bavarian folk plays in the local dialect. Instead, its sophisticated repertoire consists of original productions of classic and contemporary plays from international authors. The dramas, comedies, operas, revues, and extravaganzas have been enthusing audiences for years. Works by young and unknown artists are also performed. The Volkstheater has its own ensemble, but sometimes guests will take the stage, as well. A perennial favorite is "Der Kontrabass" by Patrick Süskind. Pleas note that this theater offers German shows only. Please note that the Volkstheater has moved from Brienner Straße 50 to its new location in Tumblinger Straße 29. The new theater season will start on October, 15 2021 at the new premises.
Contact
Phone:
089 523 46 55
Website:
www.muenchner-volkstheater.de
Address
Nationaltheater (Bayerische Staatsoper)
The theater was built by Karl von Fischer, on the orders of King Max I. Joseph, and opened in 1818. After a fire in 1823, it was rebuilt by Leo von Klenze and reopened in 1825. It was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, leaving it under reconstruction until 1963. Today, the monumental, neo-classical building with its magnificent interior, and one of the world's biggest stages, shines in renewed splendour. It houses one of the most traditional opera ensembles in the world. In addition to opera, its repertoire includes classical and modern ballet, as well as classical concerts. During the Opera Festival in the summer, the Nationaltheater becomes the life and soul of Munich's cultural life.
Contact
Phone:
089 21851920
Website:
www.staatsoper.de
Address
Prinzregententheater
The theater was built in 1901, as a festival hall for the operas of Richard Wagner. It lived through a golden era, especially after World War II, until it was closed in 1963, due to deterioration. Thanks to many private donations, the auditorium, and later the picturesque Gartensaal (garden hall) and stage area, underwent extensive renovation. The repertoire consists predominantly of baroque and modern classical works. Since 1993, the theater has been housing the Bavarian Theatre Academy. It also serves as a venue for a variety of events, such as the Prinzregentenball. The adjoining Café Prinzipal is also worth a visit.
Contact
Phone:
089 218 502
Website:
www.prinzregententheater.de
Residenztheater
The new Residenztheater was built on the grounds of its predecessor (which was destroyed during World War II) and reopened in 1951. The original rococo-style interior was spared from the war's destruction and reinstalled in the neighboring Cuvilliés-Theater. At the end of the 1980's, the theater underwent extensive renovations once again. It was also equipped with state of the art lighting- and stage technology. The Bavarian Staatsschauspiel, as well as guest ensembles perform old and modern classics. The repertoire includes Bavarian yodeling perfomances, in addition to more traditional plays by Euripides, Goethe or Handke. Please note that this theater only offers shows in German.
Contact
Phone:
089 218 519 40
Website:
www.bayerischesstaatsschauspiel.de
Address
Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz
Munich's "other opera house" was founded in 1865, as a people's theater, to provide an alternative to the repetitious productions of the court theater. From the beginning, the repertoire included mostly operettas and lyrical drama in German. Nowadays it also includes operas, ballets, touring shows, and modern musical works, recently concerts of chamber music in the foyer have become a regular part of the program, as well. Franz Michael Reiffenstuel's classical style building was barely damaged during the war and was extended in 1978. The theater has approx. 200.000 visitors and over 300 performances per season and is very much a part of Munich's social life.
Contact
Phone:
089 218 519 60
Website:
www.staatstheater-am-gaertnerplatz.de
Address