Marstallmuseum

The Marstallmuseum (Court Stables Museum) is housed in the former stables of the south wing of Nymphenburg Palace in Munich and holds one of the most important collections of royal carriages in the world. The exhibits come from the holdings of the Bavarian and Palatine prince-electors and kings of the House of Wittelsbach and document the development of carriage-making from the late 17th century to the end of the 19th century. Here you'll see more than forty ceremonial carriages, sleighs, and sedan chairs, as well as precious harnesses, riding equipment, and historical images that bring the world of courtly travel and display to life.

Among the collection's showpieces is the coronation coach of Emperor Charles VII, considered one of the most magnificent state coaches of the French Rococo. Also on display are the coronation coaches of King Maximilian I Joseph and the splendid carriages of King Ludwig II, which entered the collection only after his death. A special attraction is the newly restored Hercules racing sleigh of Prince-Elector Max Emanuel. The historical picture is rounded out by a small permanent exhibition devoted to the history of the stable staff and the role they played in presenting the princely house to the world.

The museum's upper floor also houses the Bäuml Collection, which shows Nymphenburg porcelain from three centuries. The collection was founded by Albert Bäuml, who gathered historical pieces as models for reconstructing old forms. Today the family still expands it with private funds, and it makes an interesting contrast to the historic vehicles on the ground floor.