Old Town Hall, Munich, Germany

The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) serves today as a building for representative purposes for the city council in Munich. The Old Town Hall bounds the central square Marienplatz on its east side.

The building, documented for the first time in 1310, had its Grand Hall constructed in 1392/1394. The former Talburg Gate of the first city wall serves as spire. The Old Town Hall was re-designed in late-gothic style by Jörg von Halsbach 1470-1480. The Grand Hall was decorated by the Morris dancers, created by Erasmus Grasser. After alterations of the facade during the Renaissance and again in the Baroque the building was restored in neo-gothic style 1861-1864. In 1874 the municipality moved to the New Town Hall.

For the passage of increased road traffic the Old Town Hall was tunneled in 1877 with a drive-through and a separate pedestrian's passage, as well as once again in 1934/35, this time finally destroying the original ground floor. During World War II the building was severely damaged and the spire was reconstructed in 1971-1974. Parts of the neo-Gothic elements, especially the statues of Ludwig the Bavarian (west facade) and Henry the Lion (east facade) and the gable design are preserved.

The Grand Hall was the venue for the speech of Joseph Goebbels on November 9, 1938 which is known as the prelude for the Kristallnacht (Crystal Night, a pogrom against Jews).

References:

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User Reviews

Mat Bienczyk (15 months ago)
Beautiful old town hall right by the Marienplatz - it's a white gothic styled building connected to a clock tower. There's several of openings to walk through. The town hall itself is a museum with some very interesting things inside.

John C (2 years ago)
Very nice small museum dedicated to toys. Great for all ages. Entrance is right off of the main Marienplatz square and as you get higher in the museum, you have some great views of the surrounding areas. The museum is located in a tower with several floors filled with displays of toys. You can either walk up a narrow, winding staircase or take a small elevator. The Entrance fee was 6 euros for adults. I spent almost an hour looking at the various displays with most of them having English information along with the German information. There is a small souvenir shop on the ground level. The toy displays cover a number of different toy types. They mainly included European and some American toy makers. They had train sets, Teddy bears, and numerous dolls including a whole display featuring Barbie dolls. Very nice and worth a visit with or without kids.

Evelina Aksiončik (2 years ago)
An amazing place bringing you back to childhood. Very good exibition with different toys telling their history. Lived the Steiff Teddy Bears collection and an old Barbie:)

win task (2 years ago)
It is old town hall which is a toy museum now. They have variety of toys before 1900. Very interesting stuff there if you like to try..

Petrus Gerryts (2 years ago)
The Toy Museum in Marienplatz is a delightful destination for both young and old. Located in the historic Old Town, it offers a captivating journey through the world of toys. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by an extensive collection that spans several centuries, showcasing a wide range of toys from various countries and eras. The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing a nostalgic and educational experience. From traditional dolls and teddy bears to intricately crafted tin toys and model trains, there is something to captivate visitors of all ages. Each exhibit offers a glimpse into the history and cultural significance of these playthings, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind them. What truly sets the Toy Museum apart is its interactive nature. Visitors are encouraged to play with certain exhibits and engage in hands-on activities, making it an immersive experience for children and a chance for adults to relive their childhood. The museum's staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share fascinating stories and answer any questions. The museum also organizes special events, workshops, and temporary exhibitions, ensuring there's always something new to discover. The gift shop offers a wide selection of toys, books, and souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of the museum home with them. It’s is a charming and enchanting place that appeals to both toy enthusiasts and those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It's a wonderful attraction that celebrates the joy, creativity, and cultural significance of toys throughout history.

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