King Maximilian II of Bavaria reigned from 1848 to 1864. He was known for his support of the arts and sciences, promoting cultural development in Bavaria. His reign saw the establishment of several institutions, including the Bavarian Academy of Sciences. Maximilian II was also a patron of architecture, commissioning notable buildings like the Bavarian National Museum. He was a member of the House of Wittelsbach and succeeded his father, King Ludwig I, after a period of political unrest in Germany. His leadership helped stabilize Bavaria during a time of change.