The Altes Residenztheater in the Residence is one of the lovliest Rococo theatres in the world. In 1751 - 1753 Duke Max III. Joseph commissioned Francois de Cuvilliés the Elder to build the court theatre. It was originally located where now is the Neues Residenztheater. The first performance of Mozart's opera "Idomeneo" was given in this theatre in 1781. During the Second World War the wooden interior decoration was stored in a place of safety by time so that today the richly carved auditorium in white, gold and red with four tiers of boxes and the Electoral box can be admired. Artists who contributed to the ornamental decoration of the theatre were Johann Baptist Straub, Joachim and Michael Dietrich. The ornamental decoration of the tiers of boxes corresponds to the hierarchy: rich decoration for the first tier reserved for the higher nobility, in the second tier for the lower nobility only the balustrade was decorated with a relief and the third tier for court officials got only a few ornaments. The two-tired Elector's box is the finest one with superb ornaments and carvings.
In 1795 Elector Karl Theodor opened the theatre to the public. But King Ludwig II. closed the opera from time to time for his private performances. After the Second World War the theatre was rebuilt in the Apothecary Tract of the Residence. It could be opened again in 1958 with the performance of Mozart's opera "Figaro's Wedding". The entrance to the theatre is located in the Fountain Court. Passing a long gallery the 8-sided foyer with pictures of Max Emanuel's "Big gallery of Beauties" can be reached. An octogonal courtyard with bronze figures is surrounded by the foyer gallery.
Opening hours: daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thu - 8 p.m.
U-Bahn: U3 - U6 to Odeonsplatz, U3, U6 to Marienplatz
S-Bahn: S1 - S8 to Marienplatz
Tram 19 to Max-Joseph-Platz