Summer Festival Schloss Nymphenburg

Open-Air Theatre at one of Bavaria's most beautiful palace complexes

The Sommer-Festspiele Schloss Nymphenburg presents summer open-air theatre in the surroundings of the historic Nymphenburg Palace complex, the former summer residence of the Bavarian Electors and Kings in western Munich. The festival is an established event in Munich's summer cultural calendar and is aimed at theatre lovers who want to experience classical plays in an unusual setting.

2026 Programme: Shakespeare and Dürrenmatt

For 2026, the festival has scheduled two strongly contrasting works. Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" – one of the English classic's most spirited comedies – will be staged. Friedrich Dürrenmatt's "The Visit" – that "tragic comedy" about Claire Zachanassian, who returns to her impoverished hometown as a billionaire and promises prosperity in exchange for a murder – will be staged in co-production with the Stadttheater Schaffhausen, with Mona Seefried in the title role. Both productions will be performed in the open space at the Rosengarten, directly adjacent to the Schlosspark.

Alternative Venue due to Construction Work

After a break in 2025 due to construction work at the usual festival site, the organisers reached an agreement with the Bavarian Palace Department for an alternative venue in the immediate vicinity: the open space at the Rosengarten, with an entrance at the Museum Mensch und Natur. This ensures the festival remains spatially loyal to Schloss Nymphenburg and retains its characteristic backdrop.

Key Facts

• Open-air theatre festival at Schloss Nymphenburg
• Four festival days in August
• Venue 2026: Open space at the Rosengarten
• Plays 2026: Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" + Dürrenmatt's "The Visit"
• Mona Seefried as Claire Zachanassian (Dürrenmatt)
• Co-production with Stadttheater Schaffhausen (Dürrenmatt)
• Start time: 8 PM each evening

With Nymphenburg Palace, the state of Bavaria and the state capital Munich offer one of the most spectacular theatre backdrops in Central Europe. The Sommer-Festspiele Schloss Nymphenburg sees itself as a link between classical acting and the open-air theatre experience – a Munich alternative to the major festivals in Salzburg and Bregenz.