The Neue Residenz is the secondary palace building facing Residenzplatz, built by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau between 1592 and 1602 to house court officials and guests. Its tower contains the Glockenspiel, a carillon of 35 bells playing at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm daily. The building now houses the Salzburg Museum, which is closed for renovation until approximately spring 2027; the Glockenspiel carillon is unaffected.
The Story
Wolf Dietrich built the Neue Residenz across the square from his own residence because the main Residenz could not accommodate everyone a prince-archbishop needed to impress. The two palaces facing each other across Residenzplatz were a statement of ambition as much as a practical arrangement. The Neue Residenz went through various uses over the centuries; its current role as a museum is relatively recent.
The Glockenspiel has been the building's most famous feature since the seventeenth century. The 35 bells cover several octaves and play a short programme of pieces associated with Salzburg composers. Leopold Mozart reportedly wrote that the carillon was out of tune, an observation that became one of the small memorable details attached to the building. Whether this was a fair assessment or professional irritation, it is impossible to say at this distance.
The Salzburg Museum inside is the main museum of city history, covering Salzburg from Roman Iuvavum through the prince-archbishops to the present. The permanent collection is extensive and well presented. The Mozart exhibition within the museum complements the dedicated Mozarts Birthplace and Mozarts Residence collections elsewhere in the city.
Visiting
The Glockenspiel plays at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm daily and is audible across the Altstadt; no ticket required to hear it from Residenzplatz or Mozartplatz. The Salzburg Museum inside is closed for renovation until approximately spring 2027; on reopening it requires paid admission and is closed on Mondays. The building faces both Residenzplatz (west side) and Mozartplatz (east side). Combine with the Residenz state rooms and the DomQuartier museum circuit for a full half-day.