Neuschwanstein Castle

The Bavarian Administration of State-Owned Palaces, Gardens, and Lakes (German: Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen), or simply the Palace Administration, is one of the most historic administrative bodies of the Free State of Bavaria. Originating as the court administration of the electors and kings, it is now one of the largest state-run museum operators in Germany. In addition, it oversees a unique historical legacy: the many magnificent court gardens, palace parks, landscaped gardens, and lakes.

Due to its origins, the Palace Administration is responsible for the palaces and residences that remained after the dissolution of the former royal family’s civil list. Over time, however, it has taken on numerous additional properties, now managing 45 castles, palaces, and residences, along with other historic monuments and artists’ houses, 32 historic gardens, and 21 lakes across all Bavarian administrative districts.

Beyond castles and palaces, the administration also maintains churches like St. Bartholomä and monuments such as the Befreiungshalle in Kelheim, the Bavaria statue with the Hall of Fame, and the Feldherrnhalle in Munich. As part of Bavaria’s cultural heritage, these sites offer a unique overview of key epochs in Bavarian—and, naturally, German—history.

The headquarters of the Bavarian Palace Administration is located in Munich, where property management, personnel, legal, and budgetary matters are handled. Publications and promotional campaigns for all attractions are also planned and executed here. The central office employs specialists in restoring valuable interiors, art historians for museum curation, construction experts who oversee restoration and expansion projects in compliance with heritage protection laws, and a gardens department responsible for both the upkeep and historical research of the gardens.

The local offices and branches serve as on-site contacts, managing all aspects of Bavaria’s most beautiful landmarks. Their tasks are diverse: ensuring smooth museum operations, organizing guided tours, staffing ticket counters, maintaining cleanliness in exhibition halls, cloakrooms, and restrooms, and supervising visitor areas. They also plan and host events like the Residenztage in Würzburg, long museum nights, or the Residenzwoche in Munich, in collaboration with the headquarters.

Many branches also maintain the historic gardens. Whether a Baroque formal garden or a 19th-century landscape park, hundreds of dedicated employees work meticulously to preserve these horticultural masterpieces.

The 21 lakes managed by the Ammersee, Chiemsee, and Starnberger See branches are among Bavaria’s crown jewels. Local staff handle fishing rights, buoy and dock allocations, and boat mooring rentals.