Residence Museum - Cuvilles Theatre

The next part of the museum that we visited was the Cuvillies Theatre. The theatre was created by the architect Francois Cuvillies the Elder and Munich court artists from 1751 to 1755. It is a masterpiece of rococo art.

Upon entering the theatre there is an overwhelming feeling of "gold." Rococo art is very decorative and this is a prime example.

During World War II, much of the decorative work including the Royal Box was dismantled and stored underground for safekeeping. The theatre was heavily damaged (as was much of the palace) but the original workmanship was saved and reinstalled in the rebuilt structure.

There is so much detail in each piece it is almost overwhelming. And though the theatre is on view as part of the museum, it is still a functioning theatre where you can go for plays and concerts. In fact, they were setting up for a performance that evening while we were touring. It is a small gem, hidden in a courtyard and beautiful to see.