National Theatre — Attraction in Munich

This review is for the Manon Lescaut opera performance on Sunday, 20th of April 2025... Which was a disappointment.

Don't get me wrong: the voices of the performers were great. What was utterly disappointing was the rest: the sets and decor: missing completely in the first scene, and very poor and lacking any character in the second one. We left at the break because of how disappointed we were, so I cannot comment for the rest of the opera) the costumes: if this would have been a modern opera, whose action would have happened in the 21st century, maybe it would have been appropriate. But for a classic opera, whose action happened in the 1970's, it was inappropriate and missing any beauty. The main character (Manon) was dressed in a pant suite! The peasants in the play were costumed in some hideous gray caricature of costumes with red wigs, the young ladies in the village dressed in gray shining track suites... It took away any beauty that one could expect from a classic opera Translations: incomplete and at times wrong. Sometimes the translation was not appearing. All the times, when there was a clarifying text projected on the background - this was not translated. Disappointing again. Job half-done. All in all, I would have expected a lot better for the money paid. And if this was a modern interpretation, please write that on the website.

The only thing we liked was the beautiful building of the...

A Night at the National Theatre: Majestic Architecture, Questionable Seating

The National Theatre in Munich is undeniably a cultural gem—historical, grand, and home to some truly high-quality performances. I attended a show at the Bayerische Staatsoper and, by mistake, purchased a standing ticket. Honestly, I still don’t understand why a venue this modern continues to sell standing-only options. It feels outdated and slightly disrespectful to the audience’s comfort.

The exterior and interior design are breathtaking—ornate, classical, and full of old-world charm. However, the seating layout could really use some thoughtful renovation. Similar to what’s been done in some metro stations, modern comfort can absolutely be integrated without sacrificing the building’s historical character.

Another odd detail: From my seat (right wing), I could only see half the stage due to a large curtain or divider. I couldn’t help but wonder—why obstruct the view like that in a place designed for visual storytelling?

That said, it was still a fun Friday evening. If you’re planning to go, try to book a proper seat—ideally from the main square side of the theatre—for the best experience. The Staatsoper occasionally offers surprisingly affordable tickets, so it’s definitely worth checking. For culture lovers and curious minds, it’s a great way to spend an...

Attending a performance of Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio, at the Munich National Theatre was an unforgettable experience, set within the grandeur of this historic venue.

The theater itself exudes elegance and charm, with its beautiful marble interiors captivating visitors from the moment they step inside. However, it's worth noting that while the architectural splendor remains timeless, the interior shows signs of aging, particularly evident in the faded seats.

Despite this minor drawback, the overall ambiance of the theater is still enchanting, adding to the allure of the performance. The staff at the Munich National Theatre are exceptionally friendly and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience for patrons.

One pleasant surprise was the affordability of snack food available at the theater. It's refreshing to find reasonably priced refreshments, allowing guests to enjoy a treat without breaking the bank.

In summary, while the Munich National Theatre may show signs of wear and tear in its interior, its undeniable beauty and the warmth of its staff more than make up for any minor imperfections. Attending a performance here is a cultural experience not to be missed for anyone...