The year 2011 is characterized by two anniversaries, both connected to the color blue: The death of the legendary King Ludwig II and also the founding of the group of artists “Der Blaue Reiter”. On the occasion of these two topics a lot of institutions have created a large cultural program. Further information about this program and a sightseeing trip to beautiful Murnau can be found in the blog of the Platzl Hotel Munich.
“Das blaue Jahr”: King Ludwig II – the story of a fairy tale king
On June 13, 2011 his tragic death will mark the 125th time. The so-called “Fairytale King” is one of the most famous Bavarian personalities and a pioneer of the European cultural history.
With just 18 years he ascended the Bavarian throne. Whether it was the stress in the early age or the defeat in the “German War”, after which he was only a “follower” of his Prussian uncle, something caused him to imagine a parallel world – a dream world in which he could feel as a real king and he tried to put this world into the reality with all his energy. And so it happened that his dream castles, especially the fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein, gradually found their place in reality.
Since his death, these Castles have already been visited by more than 100 million people.
The Castles of King Ludwig II
The various castles of King Ludwig II attract countless visitors from all over the world since decades. On the occasion of the “blue year” they offer numerous special events.
The Neuschwanstein castle in Füssen was built in 1868 in picturesque mountain scenery and symbolizes King Ludwig II vision of a kingdom!
An overview of the special events of Castle Neuschwanstein on the occasion of the “Blue Year” is available here. You can visit the castle daily.
On an island in Lake Chiemsee, the “Bavarian sea”, the Herrenchiemsee New Palace was built in 1878 for King Ludwig XIV as a reflection of Versailles and should be a “Temple of Fame”.
An overview of the special events of the Herrenchiemsee New Palace in occasion of the “Blue Year” is available here. You can visit the Castle only with a guide.
The Castle and the Park Linderhof were built by King Ludwig II in the 18th Century. The Moroccan House brought a piece of the Orient to Bavaria and was one of the favorite residences of the king.
An overview of the special events of Castle Linderhof on the occasion of the “Blue Year” is available here. You can visit the Castle only with a guide.
The Nymphenburg Park and Castle
The Nymphenburg Castle and Park in Munich were built in the 17th Century. King Ludwig II was born at this place in the year 1845!
An overview of the special events of the Nymphenburg Castle on the occasion of the “Blue Year” is available here. You can visit the castle daily.
Museums and Exhibitions
Numerous museums and exhibitions devote themselves to the “Blue Year” and its history on the occasion of the 125th death anniversary of King Ludwig II.
“Where is Ludwig?” – A search for clues through Oberammergau and its museum. (April 1, 2011 to January 08, 2012, visiting possible from Tuesday to Sunday)
Follow the footsteps of the king and discover the special relationship of the king to Oberammergau.
Empress Elizabeth Museum in Pöcking Possenhofen
“If Ludwig II has known – his royal retreats” (May 01 to October 16, 2011, you can visit this exhibition on weekends and holidays)
Discover and explore the story of Empress Sissi and Ludwig II.
The Bavarian National Exhibition at Herreninsel
Twilight of the Gods. King Ludwig II (May 14 to October 16, 2011, you can visit this exhibition at any day)
Find out how Ludwig became king, how it happened that he had to go to war, why he was “demoted” and had to obey the German Kaiser, how he shaped the industrial age as a “fairy tale king” and how he gradually became a legend.
For the first time the still not finished Herrenchiemsee New Palace opens its doors to the public for this exhibition.
Bavarian State Library in Munich
“King Ludwig II and the Bavarian State Library” (September 29 to December 11, 2011, you can visit this exhibition at any day)
Get known to the “private” King Ludwig II during a visit of this exhibition in the Bavarian State Library. Private written manuscripts of the King, autographs, books, photographs and more allow a fascinating look “behind the scenes” of the life of the king.
Further events on the occasion of “The Blue Year” in Munich and the surrounding area
- Open-air exhibition on the king’s road (Murnau, open year-round)
Take a circular walk to the most spectacular vantage points of Murnau and get known to the “royal history.” - Old Town Center Tour (Munich, open year-round)
Take part in a historic tour to the most beautiful places of Munich’s old town and get more information about King Ludwig’s II influence to them
“The Blue Year”: the artists’ group “Der Blaue Reiter” (“The Blue Rider”)
In 1911 Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc founded the artists association “Der Blaue Reiter” with the aim to leave the impressionistic art behind and create something new. The exhibition “Der Blaue Reiter” of 1911 is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. On this occasion you can enjoy a world of colors and shapes with the artworks of Franz Marc, August Macke, Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, Alfred Kubin and Heinrich Campendenk.
Museums and exhibitions
The following museums in Munich and the surrounding area show parts of the exhibition “Der Blaue Reiter”. Each of them interprets the exhibition and its artists to a own very special way! Discover the different facades of the expressionism!
Tip: Don’t miss the special guided group tours in Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne on the occasion of “The Blue Year”.
“The painters of “Der Blaue Reiter” and the influence of Japanismus”
(July 21 to 06 November, 2011, you can visit this exhibition every Tuesday to Sunday)
Franz Marc Museum, Kochel am See
“Franz Marc – Life and Work”
(open until September 04, 2011, you can visit this exhibition every Tuesday to Sunday)
“LIGHT. COLOR. SOLITUDE. Heinrich Campendonk – A blue life”
(July 01 to October 23, 2011, you can visit this exhibition every Wednesday to Sunday)
“Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriele Münter – Bead Embroidery and textile works
(open until September 11, 2011, you can visit this exhibition every Tuesday to Sunday)
Further dates and events on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the exhibition “Der Blaue Reiter”
- Guided tours on the footsteps of “Der Blaue Reiter” (Munich)
- City foundation festival in June – “Blue Hour” (June 18 and 19, 2011, Rindermarkt Munich)
- Art walks to original places of Münter and Kandinsky (Murnau)
Platzl Hotel Munich – Excursion Tip to Murnau
With many events Murnau is one of the most important cities of “The Blue Year”!
Therefore it is a perfect destination for a daytrip during your holidays at Platzl Hotel Munich. You can reach the picturesque artists town in just 45 minutes by car (motorway A95 Munich – Garmisch-Partenkirchen) or in about 60 minutes by train (every hour from Munich’s central station).
Further information about the events of “The Blue Year” can be also found on the official website.
We will be at the Platzl the week of July 17. Is there anything going on during that week.
There are some great events going on in the week of July 17! If you are interested in culture we recommend to visit the major art exhibition at the “Haus der Kunst” (literally House of Art) or the open air classical music concert at the Odeonsplatz (see http://bit.ly/hHrNCR). We also recommend the Opera Festival, which takes place between June 25 and July 31 (see http://bit.ly/gSugLG). A great event for friends of spectacular fireworks is the “Sommernachtstraum” at the Olympic Parc (see http://bit.ly/eyjCGt). We are looking forward to welcoming you in July! Our reception team is also happy to assist you individually to ensure you spend wonderful days in Munich.
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Really great to read, ’cause I’ll visit the castels nex August and I’ll stay at Platzl Hotel: I’ve already booked!
Marzia.