Thing to do
Viktualienmarkt
Munich's year-round open-air food market beside Marienplatz, on its site since 1807, with more than 100 traders, a maypole and a beer garden.
Bavarian State Opera (Nationaltheater)
Opera and ballet at the Nationaltheater on Max-Joseph-Platz, home of the Bavarian State Opera, with around 2,100 seats and one of the largest stages in the world.
At a glance
- Type
- Opera and ballet
- Area
- Altstadt, Munich, Germany
- Official site
- staatsoper.de
Good to know
- Guided tours
- Box office on Marstallplatz
- Opera festival in summer
Why we recommend it
An evening at the Bavarian State Opera is one of the most rewarding things to do in Munich, even for people who rarely go to the opera at home. The company performs in the Nationaltheater, the large Neoclassical building with a columned portico on Max-Joseph-Platz, facing the Residenz. Together with the Bavarian State Orchestra and the Bavarian State Ballet it offers close to 350 opera and ballet performances a year.
The theatre has been rebuilt more than once. The first building, designed by Karl von Fischer for King Maximilian I Joseph, opened in 1818 and burned down about five years later. Its successor was gutted in an air raid in 1943, and after a citizens' campaign the house was reconstructed to the original design and reopened on 21 November 1963. Its auditorium seats around 2,100 people, and the stage, at about 2,500 square metres, is one of the largest opera stages in the world. Wagner's Tristan und Isolde and Die Walküre had their premieres in Munich's court theatre here.
The season runs from autumn to early summer and ends with the Munich Opera Festival, held each summer and dating back to 1875. The repertoire mixes Mozart, Wagner and Richard Strauss, who have strong Munich connections, with Italian opera, new productions and ballet, including family performances. Tickets range from expensive stalls seats to much cheaper places high in the house, and booking well ahead is advisable for popular productions and festival nights.
If you cannot attend a performance, a guided tour is the next best thing. Tours of about 60 minutes take in the Königssaal, the Ionic halls, the auditorium and, when it is free, the stage. Most tours are in German, with English tours on some dates; tickets are sold at the opera shop in the box office on Marstallplatz 5, open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, or online. Groups are limited to 25 people. On days without performances in summer, the theatre's front steps have also been used for evening events with DJs and live music.
There is no strict dress code, but many Munich operagoers dress smartly, especially for premieres. The theatre is a short walk from Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz stations, and tram 19 stops at Nationaltheater. Restaurants around Maximilianstraße and the old town make it easy to eat before or after the performance.
Bavarian State Opera (Nationaltheater) FAQs
Where does the Bavarian State Opera perform?
In the Nationaltheater on Max-Joseph-Platz, opposite the Residenz.
Can I tour the opera house?
Yes. Guided tours of about 60 minutes visit the Königssaal, the Ionic halls, the auditorium and, when available, the stage.
Are the tours in English?
Most tours are in German, with English tours on some dates. Check the opera's website for the schedule.
Where is the box office?
At Marstallplatz 5, open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00. Tickets are also sold online.
Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but many visitors dress smartly, especially for premieres.
When is the Munich Opera Festival?
It is held every summer at the end of the season and dates back to 1875.
How many seats does the Nationaltheater have?
Around 2,100.
How do I get to the Nationaltheater?
Take tram 19 to Nationaltheater, or walk from Marienplatz or Odeonsplatz stations.