Richard Wagner Museum
Richard Wagner's one-time home, "Wahnfried," built by the composer in 1874, is now the centerpiece of this fine museum. It's a fairly austere neoclassical building whose name, "peace from madness," was well earned. Wagner lived here with his wife Cosima, daughter of pianist Franz Liszt, and they were both laid to rest here; look for Wagner's simple gravestone in the garden (behind the fountain), with another nearby for his beloved dogs Marke and Russ. A bust of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the "Fairy-Tale King" who gave Wagner so much financial support, stands before the entrance to the house.
Inside, the exhibits are generously spread across three floors, with information in German but summary boards provided in English. Highlights include his piano, multimedia displays of various opera performances, and the original scores of such masterpieces as Parsifal, Tristan und Isolde, and Der Fliegende Holländer. In the buildings flanking the main house, you'll find a collection of production costumes, exhibits on Wagner's son (and fellow composer) Siegfried, and an excellent little café. The little house where Franz Liszt lived and died is right next door, and you can visit with a combination-ticket that's just €1 more than the regular entrance fee.
