Lion-quadriga on top of the Siegestor in Munich photographed from above with a drone.

Munich’s architectural milestones

From the Cathedral to the Allianz Arena

An architectural history which spans 850 years. Munich boasts a long-standing culture of building, dating from the time of its foundation during the Middle Ages to the present-day planning of the city’s metropolitan area.

Royal seat, business centre, cultural metropolis and magnet for urban tourists: Munich has many attributes, and its prominent architecture produces the perfect setting for each. And the city has never shied away from comparison either – its palaces, churches, boulevards and monuments have always been on the same footing as those of Dresden, Rome, Paris and Berlin.

Humility was the last thing on Jörg von Halsbach’s mind when, in the late Middle Ages, he built the Frauenkirche, the silhouette of which continues to define the city to this day. The two towers, with their unmistakable bulbous domes, are a unique blend of Late Gothic and Renaissance styles. Friedrich Sustris was similarly ambitious in designing Michaelskirche Jesuit church in the emerging Baroque style.

The building was used as a model for numerous new constructions and was also drawn upon by Leo von Klenzes and Friedrich von Gärtner, to inspire their façade designs which transformed the royal seat into “Athens on the Isar” during the 19th century.

Humility was the last thing on Jörg von Halsbach’s mind when, in the late Middle Ages, he built the Frauenkirche, the silhouette of which continues to define the city to this day.

King Ludwig I used architecture to create a new, glittering stage for the monarchy. The museums he commissioned in the style of Greek temples and Florentine palaces; the Siegestor (gate); and the tall, proud bronze statue of Bavaria were all intended to make the status of the monarch absolutely clear. So in the 19th century, the architecture of the city primarily served the monarchy.

Video: A bird's eye view of Munich

Eventually, when Munich became a metropolis, modernist styles started to creep in during the period before the First World War: the mighty structures, double city walls and fortress of the past were supplanted by a broad ring road with ample room for traffic. Expansive new promenades were created for the economically buoyant bourgeoisie, along with gigantic cafés and beer halls, numerous wide bridges over the Isar, the Deutsches Museum and elegant residential palaces. The Brienner district and Maximilianstrasse have since exerted their magnetic influence on locals and visitors alike.

However, the most striking monument to be built was the Neue Rathaus (New Town Hall) on Marienplatz, which was finished after 40 years of construction and has since been considered one of the true emblems of Munich – alongside the towers of the Frauenkirche – not least because of its world-famous Glockenspiel.

The Stachus, as Munich locals like to call Karlsplatz, also contains a wealth of impressive testaments to its architectural history, which seem to invite critical comparison: the magnificently decorated Justizpalast (Palace of Justice) dating from the Gründerzeit (the economic boom in Germany and Austria during the 19th century, prior to the stock market crash in 1873), the still-operational shopping centre built after the war, now a listed building, and the spectacular, audacious architecture of the new “Königshof” hotel.

But will Munich continue to keep up with international rivals with its contemporary architecture or is it too timid and provincial? Well, just a few years ago, architects Herzog and DeMeuron and Murphy&Jahn produced prominent, widely acclaimed architectural icons in the form of the Allianz Arena and the Highlight Towers respectively. The new University of Television and Film building enjoys universal admiration, and the transparent walls of the Herz-Jesu-Kirche in Neuhausen has even set new international standards for church architecture.

But how does the future look, and how should Munich be shaped to respond to its enormous growth? What form should the construction of modern apartments take during an era when living space is being so compressed? Tours through the Kunstareal art district, famed for its three large Pinakothek museums, shed light on this possible future response, and visits to construction sites at the new Münchner Konzertsaal (Concert Hall) and to the creative quarter highlight the exciting developments that are currently underway.

Modern architecture city walk

During a walk through Munich’s city centre with an official city tour guide you will be inspired by imposing architecture. Read more

From the viewing platform of the Olympic Tower, visitors can not only admire the still-spectacular glass roof structure of the 1972 Olympic park, but they can also enjoy a broader view over the current expansion and development of the city. The early stages of construction on the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and second S-Bahn train tunnel offer insights into Munich’s architectural path into the 21st century.

 

 

Text: Georg Reichlmayr, Photos: Redline Enterprises, Jörg Lutz
A church window in the Salvatorkirche in Munich

Munich's church windows

The most beautiful windows of the city

Michael Mayer of Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt presents the most spectacular church windows.

Fascinating people for centuries: Michael Mayer of Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt presents the most spectacular church windows the city has to offer.

The monument to Max I. Joseph in front of the Residenz

Munich's royal monuments

Four kings and a prince regent

In Munich there are fantastic monuments to admire. Where they are and what makes them so special.

In Munich there are several fantastic monuments to admire. Where they are and what makes them so special: an overview.

The tour guide Alvestad-Aschenbrenner stands in the Museum for Abgüsse Klassischer Bildwerke Munich

Ludwig I of Bavaria

When Munich became an „Athens on the Isar“

Ludwig I of Bavaria converted Munich into his "„Athens on the Isar“, many buildings still remind us of this today. An interview.

Ludwig I of Bavaria converted Munich into his "„Athens on the Isar“, many buildings still remind us of this today. An interview with a tour guide.

Young woman sitting at a window in a tram in Munich.

Column

A vacation in my own city

Our author used to be a travel blogger. Now she has started to explore her own city: Munich!

Our author used to be a travel blogger. Now she has started to explore her own city: Munich!

View from the inside of a figure of the carillon in the New Town Hall in Munich.

New Town Hall

The Glockenspiel in ten pictures

An exclusive look behind the scenes.

The Glockenspiel on Marienplatz has been enchanting visitors and locals for over 100 years. An exclusive look behind the scenes.

Panoramic view of Karlsplatz / Stachus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background photographed from the air.

Munich's city centre

Classical and curiosities

Numerous Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Numerous interesting Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Weissenburger Platz in Munich photographed from above with a drone.

Haidhausen and Au

A village in the city

Haidhausen and Au have developed from working-class quarters into popular residential areas.

When strolling along the narrow streets of the districts Haidhausen and Au with small shops and green courtyards, it almost feels like being in a village in the middle of the city.

The Academy of Fine Arts in Munich in autumn.

Schwabing

From artists and writers

Around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

In the heyday of the Schwabinger Bohème around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach

Where the night begins

Independent labels, hip bars, pubs and cool inns attract the young and the young-at-heart.

The Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods are known as trendy quarters. Their independent labels, hip bars, pubs, cool inns and calm backyards attract the young and the young-at-heart.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Munich's Palace of Justice

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for only 20€ !

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 20 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for only 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".

Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich

Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Bag on green background

Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.