Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( Königsplatz, Königsplatz)
Nothing less than the Acropolis in Athens provided the
inspiration for Leo von Klenze's imposing Königsplatz, commissioned by Ludwig I and
anchored by a Doric-columned
Propyläen
gateway and two temple-like museums. The
Nazis added a few buildings of their own and used the square for their mass parades. Only
the foundations of these structures remain at the eastern end of the square, rendered unre-
cognisable by foliage. Peaceful and green today, the square comes alive in summer during
concerts and open-air cinema.
ART MUSEUM
Glyptothek
(
www.antike-am-koenigsplatz.mwn.de
;
Königsplatz 3; adult/concession €3.50/2.50, Sun
€1; 10am-5pm, to 8pm Thu, closed Mon; Königsplatz, Königsplatz)
If you're a
fan of classical art or simply enjoy the sight of naked guys without noses (or other pertin-
ent body parts), make a beeline to the Glyptothek. One of Munich's oldest museums, it's a
feast of art and sculpture from ancient Greece and Rome amassed by Ludwig I between
1806 and 1830, and opens a surprisingly naughty window onto the ancient world.
An undisputed highlight is the marble
Barberini Faun
(220 BC), a sleeping satyr
rendered in meticulous anatomical detail and striking a pose usually assumed by Playgirl
centrefolds. Rooms X to XII contain superb busts, including one of a youthful Alexander
the Great and several of Emperor Augustus. Also of note is the tomb relief of Mnesarete,
a Greek courtesan. Don't miss the sculptures from the Aphaia Temple in Aegina with ex-
tensive supportive displays to lend context.
The inner courtyard has a calm and pleasant cafe where, in summer, classical theatre
takes place under the stars.
MUSEUM
Antikensammlungen
( 5998 8830;
www.antike-am-koenigsplatz.mwn.de
; Königsplatz 1; adult/concession
€3.50/2.50, Sun €1; 10am-5pm, 10am-8pm Wed, closed Mon; Königsplatz,
Königsplatz)
Complementing the Glyptothek, the Antikensammlungen is an engaging
showcase of exquisite Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. The collection of Greek
vases, each artistically decorated with gods and heroes, wars and weddings, is particularly
outstanding. Other galleries present gold and silver jewellery and ornaments; figurines
made from terracotta and more precious bronze; and super-fragile drinking vessels made
from ancient glass.
