Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art

The Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art (German: Bayerischer Maximiliansorden für Wissenschaft und Kunst) was first established on 28 November 1853 by King Maximilian II. von Bayern. It is awarded to acknowledge and reward excellent and outstanding achievements in the field of science and art. From 1933 onwards (with the beginning of the Nazi regime) the order was no longer awarded, until 1980 when it was reinstated by the then Minister-President of the Free State of Bavaria Franz Josef Strauß.

Since 1980 the order has been awarded to 184 recipients including 24 woman. The number of living members of the order cannot exceed 100. As of February 2013 there are 92 living members of the order.

Since 1932 the order has been issued 351 times. Overall the order was awarded to 535 people from 1853 to 2012.

In continuation of a bavarian tradition, the Bavarian Maximialian Order for Art and Sciences was created. It is awarded to reward outstanding achievements in the field of science and art. (In Fortsetzung alter bayerischer Tradition wird der Bayerische Maximiliansorden für Wissenschaft und Kunst geschaffen. Mit ihm sollen herausragende Leistungen auf dem Gebieten von Wissenschaft und Kunst ausgezeichnet werden.)

The Maximilian Order is preferable awarded to German scientist and artist. It is not restricted to citizens of Bavaria. The order was instituted in one class and two sections (science and art). The order is restricted to 100 living members.

The Minister-President, the minister of state for their respective portfolio, and the two sections of the order are eligible to nominate new members. These proposals are evaluated by an advisory committee (Ordensbeirat). It gives its recommendation to the Minister-President for the final decision.

The advisory committee consists of:

All members of the advisory committee are selected for a period of five years. The committee decides with the majority of its members.

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