The neo-classical opera with its impressive front and its splendiferous interior at the Max-Joseph-Place is the place of representation of the Bavarian National Opera und the Bavarian National Ballet. The former buildings became too small because of the rapidly increasing population of Munich and the wish for a opera for everyone was increasingly in demand.

King Maximilian I Joseph assigned his architect Karl Fischer to plan the new royal court- and national theatre. Seven years after the start financial problems disrupted the construction and on top of it a fire destroyed a part of the new building in 1817. That’s why the opera opened contrary to the monumental plans of Fischer only partly realised. Another fire destroyed the building to the ground in 1823. Even so the city of Munich financed the rebuild an so it was reopend 1825.

The building was destroyed again because of a nocturnal aircraft bomb attack during World War II and only the enclosing walls remained. The rebuild after the war took place between 1958 and 1963 and it was decided to reconstruct the old building instead of a cheaper new building.

Today the national theatre accommodates 2100 visitors in 5 circles.