The Bavarian Kings: A Museum Overview

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings in Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, is a museum dedicated to the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty, one of Europe's oldest, from its beginnings to the present day. The exhibition focuses on King Maximilian II, who commissioned the conversion of the Hohenschwangau Castle into his summer residence, and his son, King Ludwig II, who built the Neuschwanstein Castle. The museum is located in the former Grand Hotel Alpenrose, which lay below the two castles for many years before being converted into a museum and restaurant.

The history of the Wittelsbach dynasty

The Wittelsbach dynasty is one of Europe's oldest, with a 700-year history that includes dukes, electors, and kings. The dynasty began with the Palatine and rose to become Bavarian Kings. The family is considered one of the major noble families in European history, having helped shape European politics and played a key role in the development of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

The dynasty's history is on full display at the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, which opened in 2011 and is located in the former Grand Hotel "Alpenrose" in Schwangau, in the shadows of the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. The exhibition focuses on King Maximilian II, who commissioned the conversion of the Hohenschwangau Castle into his summer residence, and his son, King Ludwig II, who built the Neuschwanstein Castle.

King Maximilian II and his son, King Ludwig II, are presented prominently in the museum. The exhibition showcases the family's history, from their rise to power to the present day, using modern interactive museum technologies. It offers fascinating views of the surrounding landscape, including the Alpsee lake and the castles.

The Wittelsbach family played a significant role in opposing the Nazis during World War II. Crown Prince Rupprecht went into exile in Italy with his family in 1939. After the Stauffenberg assassination attempt, members of the family were taken into custody and deported to various concentration camps. Despite these challenges, the name Wittelsbach remains closely associated with Bavaria, and the family has continued to be influential in Bavarian politics.

The conversion of Hohenschwangau Castle

The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century, when the fortress Schwangau (literally translated as the Swan District) was first mentioned in historical records. The present-day Hohenschwangau Castle ("Upper Schwangau") was first mentioned in 1397, though under the name of Schwanstein. The names of the two castles were switched in the 19th century.

In 1829, Maximilian II discovered the historic site during a walking tour and was captivated by the beauty of the surrounding area. He acquired the castle, then known as Schwanstein, in 1832, and reconstruction began in February 1833, continuing until 1837, with additions made up to 1855. The architect Domenico Quaglio was responsible for the neogothic style of the exterior design.

Hohenschwangau Castle served as the official summer and hunting residence of Maximilian, his wife Marie of Prussia, and their two sons, Ludwig and Otto. The young princes spent their adolescent years here, and Queen Marie, who loved hiking in the mountains, created an alpine garden with plants gathered from the Alps.

After King Maximilian's death in 1864, his son Ludwig ascended the throne and moved into his father's room in the castle. Ludwig began constructing his own castle, Neuschwanstein, on the site of the old Schwangau fortress above his parents' castle.

Following Ludwig's death in 1886, Queen Marie remained the castle's sole resident until her death in 1889. The castle was then opened to the public as a museum in 1913.

The life of King Maximilian II

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings in Schwangau showcases the history of the House of Wittelsbach, one of Europe's oldest dynasties, from its beginnings to the present day. The exhibition focuses on King Maximilian II, who played a significant role in the dynasty's history. Now, here's a detailed account of the life of King Maximilian II of Bavaria.

Early Life and Education

Maximilian II, born on November 28, 1811, in Munich, was the eldest son of King Ludwig I of Bavaria and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. After completing his studies at Göttingen and Berlin, he travelled extensively throughout Germany, Italy, and Greece. He was introduced by his father into the council of state in 1836 and demonstrated a keen interest in intellectual pursuits.

Reign as King of Bavaria

Maximilian II ascended the throne during the German Revolution of 1848, following the abdication of his father, King Ludwig I. He reigned as King of Bavaria from 1848 until his death in 1864. Known as "King Max," he was popular among his people and actively involved in the affairs of the government. He worked to restore stability to Bavaria and maintain its independence during the wars of German Unification.

Political Alliances and Disputes

Maximilian II's political manoeuvres were marked by attempts to balance the interests of Prussia and Austria, the two dominant states in German affairs. He initially proposed a "triad," a league of smaller states as a counterweight to Prussia and Austria, but this idea was opposed by both the powerful states and the Frankfurt National Assembly, who favoured a unified German state. Despite Prussia's support in suppressing a revolt in the Bavarian Palatinate in 1849, Maximilian refused a permanent alliance with them. Instead, he steered a moderate course, navigating between classical liberalism, Prussian-inspired Pan-Germanism, and Ultramontanism.

Cultural and Educational Patronage

Maximilian II had a deep appreciation for culture, education, and the arts. He transformed Munich into a cultural and educational hub, inviting celebrated scholars and artists to the city, such as the historian Leopold von Ranke. He established departments of science, technology, and history at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and initiated various research projects. Additionally, he financed studies of Bavarian folklore, art, costumes, dialects, and customs, fostering a sense of separate national identity.

Personal Life

Maximilian II's private life was marked by constant ill health, which often led him to seek treatment abroad or reside in the countryside. He had a tense relationship with his father, who continued his architectural projects even after abdicating. Maximilian II was married to Marie Friederike Franziska Hedwig, daughter of Prince William of Prussia, and they had two sons, Ludwig II and Otto, both of whom became kings but were later declared insane and deposed.

Death and Legacy

Maximilian II died unexpectedly on March 10, 1864, in Munich, and was buried in the Theatinerkirche. He is remembered for his efforts to maintain Bavarian independence, his cultural patronage, and his attempts to create a "third force" in German politics by allying with smaller states.

The life of King Ludwig II

King Ludwig II, also known as the Swan King, the Fairy Tale King, or the Mad King, was King of Bavaria from 1864 until his death in 1886. He was born on 25 August 1845 at Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, the son of King Maximilian II of Bavaria and Marie of Prussia.

Ludwig became king at the age of 18, but showed little interest in the day-to-day affairs of state. Instead, he devoted himself to extravagant artistic and architectural projects, commissioning the construction of lavish palaces such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, and Herrenchiemsee. He was also a devoted patron of the composer Richard Wagner, whom he summoned to his court just a few months after his accession. Wagner's operas appealed to Ludwig's fantasy-filled imagination, and the king provided vital financial support for the composer's later works.

Ludwig was notably eccentric, shunning large public functions and formal social events in favour of a life of seclusion. He preferred to travel in the Bavarian countryside, chatting with farmers and labourers and rewarding those he met with lavish gifts. Despite his eccentricities, he remained popular among the citizens of Bavaria, who remembered him as Unser Kini ("Our Cherished King").

In the early 1880s, Ludwig withdrew from society almost completely. In 1886, he was declared insane by a panel of doctors and deposed. He was taken into custody and effectively deposed on 12 June 1886, and the following day, he and his doctor were found dead in Lake Starnberg. His death was officially ruled a suicide by drowning, but the circumstances remain mysterious and disputed.

The museum's architecture

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings is located in the former Grand Hotel Alpenrose in Hohenschwangau, in the shadows of the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, by the banks of Lake Alpsee. The historical building was converted into a museum and a restaurant, with fascinating views of the surrounding landscape. The museum offers more than 1000 square metres of exhibition space, with old objects, interesting stories and interactive media that showcase the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty.

The architecture of the museum is modern and state-of-the-art, with airy, contemporary exhibition halls that are filled with light and feature the latest interactive museum technology. The first floor offers a magnificent panorama of the Alpsee lake and the extraordinary landscape. The large panorama window is, in itself, another exhibit. The museum also features an award-winning, barrel vault made of steel mesh, where King Maximilian II and his son, King Ludwig II, are presented as the protagonists of Hohenschwangau.

The museum's design is subtle and carefully curated to incorporate the surrounding landscape and castles into the exhibition experience. The use of modern technology and extensive presentations ensures that visitors are immersed in the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and gain insights into the lives of King Ludwig II and his father, King Maximilian II. The exhibition halls are spacious and well-lit, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and engage with the interactive exhibits.

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings is a carefully designed blend of modern architecture and historical exhibits, offering a gratifying experience for visitors interested in the history of the Bavarian royal family and the stunning natural landscape of the region.

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