National Theatre Munich, Opera house in Münchner Altstadt, Germany.
The National Theatre Munich is a neoclassical building at Max-Joseph-Platz in the city center with around 2,100 seats and a large stage. The simple, elegant style of the house looks timeless, and the grand staircase in front of the entrance emphasizes its formal character.
The first theatre was designed by Karl von Fischer in 1811, but after a fire in 1823, Leo von Klenze rebuilt it with modifications. The building was destroyed in World War II and later restored to its former glory.
The theatre is home to the Bavarian State Opera, State Orchestra, and State Ballet, where you can feel the excitement building throughout the day as the evening performances approach. Visitors often see artists moving through the hallways, and posters announcing upcoming productions line the walls.
The building sits centrally at Max-Joseph-Platz and is easily reached on foot from the Marienplatz U-Bahn station. Visitors should check in advance when tours or performances are happening to plan their visit best.
A recording from this theatre – specifically singer Edda Moser performing an aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute – was included on NASA's Voyager Golden Record sent into space. This disc carries messages from humanity to the stars.
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