New Town Hall

Munich, Germany

The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) hosts the Munich government including the city council, offices of the mayors and part of the administration. In 1874 the municipality had left the Old Town Hall for its new domicile.

The town hall was built between 1867 and 1908 by Georg von Hauberrisser in a Gothic Revival architecture style. It covers an area of 9159 m² having 400 rooms. The 100 meters long main facade towards the Marienplatz is richly decorated. It shows the Guelph Duke Henry the Lion, and almost the entire line of the Wittelsbach dynasty in Bavaria and is the largest princely cycle in a German town hall. The central monument in the center of the main facade between the two phases at Marienplatz above the guard house, is an equestrian statue of Prince Regent Luitpold. The bay of the tower contains statues of the first four Bavarian kings.

The main facade is placed toward the plaza, while the back side is adjacent to a small park (Marienhof). The basement is almost completely occupied by a large restaurant called Ratskeller. On the ground floor, some rooms are rented for small businesses. Also located in the ground floor is the major official tourist information.

The first floor hosts a big balcony towards the Marienplatz which is used for large festivals such as football championships or for concerts during the Weihnachtsmarkt. Its main tower has a height of 85 m and is available for visitors with an elevator. On the top thrones the Münchner Kindl. The Rathaus-Glockenspiel, performed by an apparatus daily at 11am, 12pm and 5pm, is a tourist attraction.

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Address

Marienplatz 8, Munich, Germany
See all sites in Munich

Details

Founded: 1867-1908
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Germany
Historical period: German Empire (Germany)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Iryna Kabanchuk (4 months ago)
Style: The building is characterized by its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, featuring intricate stonework, spires, and numerous decorative elements. Main Tower: The tower reaches a height of 85 meters (278 feet) and is adorned with a clock that has become a central feature of Marienplatz. The tower houses the famous Glockenspiel, which features figurines that reenact historical events, delighting visitors with its chimes and animated scenes.
Denis Iancu (4 months ago)
This is one of the most impressive squares that I visited in the entire Europe! The architecture is outstanding and also the surroundings! 10 stars! If you visit Munich and not come here, you just waisted a visit!
Joel Concio (5 months ago)
Ornate neo-Gothic town hall with a soaring tower for city views & famous glockenspiel chiming daily. One of Munich's most impressive buildings, the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) on Marienplatz offers fantastic views of the city from its tower. This building is a sight to behold at night time or daytime.
Konamaneti Sreenivasa Reddy. (8 months ago)
First I got confused this place with a cathedral. The people who built it left a great monument and passed a great treasure to the next generations. The gothic architecture with minute details hand crafted to leave a treasure of heritage. It resembles in its workmanship of the St Vitas cathedral in the Prague castle. The new town hall offers its full view form the square. Great gatherings took place always.
Cristiana Umbelino (10 months ago)
Munich's New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is more than just a government structure; it is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece that dominates the northern side of Marienplatz, the city center. As you approach the New Town Hall, prepare to be taken aback by its enormous grandeur and detailed details. The 100-meter-long facade is a visual feast, with sculptures reflecting Bavarian history from the city's inception to the Wittelsbach dynasty. Don't miss the spectacular clock tower, which stands 85 meters tall and provides breathtaking panoramic views of Munich (elevator access provided). Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply enjoying the lively ambiance of Marienplatz, the New Town Hall is a must-see.
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