02/10/2025
The Antiquarium is one of the highlights of the Munich Residenz.
Built between 1568-1571 under Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria, the Antiquarium was originally designed to house his collection of classical antiquities - hence the name. Later, when the dukes realized how vast and majestic the hall was, it was repurposed as a banquet and ceremonial hall. It is the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps, measuring about 66 meters long and 16 meters wide. The design is credited to Friedrich Sustris and Simon Zwitzel, who blended Italian Renaissance ideas with Bavarian grandeur.
The ceiling is an elaborate barrel vault decorated with frescoes of allegories, virtues, and landscapes, while the walls feature busts of Roman emperors, gods, and mythological figures.
Originally, about 300 antique sculptures lined the hall (statues, busts, reliefs). Many were ancient Roman originals or Renaissance works inspired by antiquity. Later rulers, especially Duke Maximilian I, added Bavarian themes portraits of towns, castles, and landscapes - to emphasize dynastic pride. The space became not just a museum of antiquities but also a showpiece of Wittelsbach power and their cultivated taste for classical culture.
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