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DEUTSCH - AMERIKANISCHER HERRENCLUB MÜNCHEN e.V. |
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GERMAN - AMERICAN MEN´S CLUB MUNICH e.V. |
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Special Events |
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BAVARIAN STATE EXHIBITION May 25, 2011 |
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On May 25, 2011, the Club undertook an excursion to the Chiemgau Region to visit sites of cultural interest, namely the Bavarian State Exhibition held on Herrenchiemsee Island and at Seeon Monastery. 60 members and guests –a number never reached before- were right on time for the scheduled bus departure at 8 a.m. Our leaders, the President and the Program Director, had not failed to arrange for warm and sunny weather. So, from the start, the approach to Herrenchiemsee Palace, via Autobahn, boat and horse-drawn carriage was amiable and relaxed. Spirits were enhanced by congenial welcoming addresses and a thematic introduction.
At our first destination, 125 years after the death of King Ludwig II, we were able to visit the unfinished part of Herrenchiemsee Palace which Ludwig started building in 1878, as a monument to the absolutistic concept of governance, now the venue of this year’s Bavarian State Exhibition. By its design, the exhibition alludes to Ludwig’s affinity to theater and opera: A royal drama in five acts. A major attraction of the exhibition is the original of the “Kaiserbrief” (Letter to the Emperor”), for the first time shown publicly, in which Ludwig prompts the Prussian King to become German Emperor. Other exhibits are personal belongings of the King such as toys and at the end his death mask.
Good conversations, another boat ride to the Fraueninsel and lunch at the well-known “Linde” restaurant gave us an opportunity to recoup and prepare for our next destination.
Seeon Monastery, situated on an island in the Klostersee, according to a document, was founded in the year 924 by Count Palatine Aribo I. It was settled by Benedictine Monks from Regensburg who started a famous scriptorium creating manuscripts for the Monastery’s own purpose and also for other cloisters and churches. The most important patron was Emperor Heinrich II, who had his charters written there. After an eventful history, the complex finally was acquired by the District of Upper Bavaria and, after a long restoration period, was reopened as a cultural and educational center. Today, it is the site for concerts, exhibitions, seminars, conferences and workshops. Special mention must be made of the conducted tour given by the highly committed Parish sacristan who, in a lively fashion, presented a colorful picture of the history, the cultural significance and the sacral art of “his” island.
The day ended pleasantly with a snack at the nearby Lake Terrace. After a smooth return by bus the participants parted from each other with the pleasurable feeling to have spent a day full of experiences in amicable company. |
