A masterpiece of craftsmanship and artistry: since the middle of the 18th century, the finest porcelain is crafted purely by hand in Nymphenburg.
Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory) was founded in 1747 by the Bavarian Elector Maximilian III Joseph, and moved from the Au in Munich, to the northern turret of Schloss Nymphenburg (palace).
With master modeller Franz Anton Bustelli, who today is considered the most important porcelain artist of the Rococo period, Nymphenburg porcelain very soon became world-famous. In less than nine years, Bustelli created approximately 150 different models, including the world-famous figures of the Commedia dell'arte.
Today, renowned designers and fine artists such as Konstantin Grcic, Hella Jongerius, Reed Kram, Clemens Weisshaar, Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, Carsten Höller, Olaf Nicolai and Wim Delvoye, create designs for the production of porcelain objects and works of art.
Nymphenburg porcelain is formed, turned and painted by hand to the present day. The special colours are produced in-house in the manufactory, based on old formulas, and the potter's wheels are still water-powered, as they always used to be. The power production and transfer systems are today considered technical monuments; they still keep pace with the times and work very well. The historical, three-level circular kiln is also still fully functional. For the sake of nature, this is now out of operation, but is often shown at events. The porcelain factory now uses new, much more energy-efficient kilns.
The porcelain manufactory is owned by the State of Bavaria, and operated by the Wittelsbacher family foundation. Unfortunately, tours of the manufactory are not currently available. However, the in-house gallery shop is open every day apart from sundays.
