Marienplatz

As global citizens and locals alike approach Marienplatz, they can hear the bustle of the crowd before they even see the towers of the monumental structures that crest the surrounding buildings. Like many European city centers, patrons of Marienplatz can enjoy a beer outside with old and new friends, find new trends in stylish fashion boutiques, and snag a souvenir for a loved one from a toy store. Unique to Marienplatz, however, is the historically significant architectural and artistic contributions that abound in the square. The architecture and art of Marienplatz reveal an important history of Munich if one knows how to "read" the story embedded in the square.

Like today, the original patrons of the market (prior to it being named Marienplatz) were able to find food to enjoy. "Eggs, flour, wine...and fish" (Mueunchen.de) were staples that were bought and sold at this location, where few roads met. Over time, the market transitioned into a center with a high number of heavily-trafficked roads. In the late 20th century, the city center was redesigned to reduce vehicular passage and make the location easily accessible to pedestrians. Today, visitors to Marienplatz can once again enjoy culinary treats. The city center was officially dubbed Marienplatz in 1854, in gratitude to the Virgin Mary after the city had survived a cholera epidemic (Simply Munich).

Towering over the surrounding buildings, the New Town Hall is the structure that initially draws attention from its imposing and impressive architecture. The Neo-Gothic style hall, completed in 1905, boasts tall towers, crosses, sculptures, and scenes that honor figures from both biblical and folk stories. With the varied placement of its features, the design creates a contrast of light and shadow that continues to shift with the placement of the sun in the sky. At the center of the New Town Hall is the Glockenspiel, a clock placed above two levels of figurines that rotate two to three specific times a day. The top level shows a horserace that occurred during the 1568 wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine. The lower level depicts the Schafflertanz, which was performed during a celebration of the survival of a plague in 1517. (Munich Tourist Info) Crowds stop in awe as history comes to life in the New Town Hall! The hall does not only preserve history but serves as a functional part of the Bavarian government today. Over six hundred people work in the New Town Hall, where many governmental decisions are made and implemented.

The Old Town Hall remains standing in Marienplatz after being partially reconstructed after damage sustained during World War II. Although government offices are no longer located in this hall, it remains a vital part of Munich's history and culture today. Historically, the hall commemorates King Ludwig and Henry the Lion through statues. Relics of Bavarian leaders remain in the ballroom within the hall. Contemporarily, the hall has converted its lower portion into a Spielzeugmuseum. Visitors of all ages marvel at the toys of days gone by, bringing a fun history into modern times. (Meunchen.de)

Alongside the shops and the halls stands the oldest church in Munich, St. Peter's Church. Outside, visitors can admire the Gothic and Baroque architecture while listening to some of the oldest bells in the city. Inside, one can view art and sculptures that reflect the values of the history of Munich and the Catholic Church. The public can even climb around 300 steps to take in a view of Marienplatz and beyond from the top of the church!

Marienplatz today is a modern metropolis of shops, food, and social life. The interactive relics of history, from halls old and new and churches that open wide its doors, honor the history of Munich while teaching it to future generations. Marienplatz helps to create a collective memory that blends the past and present into the unique culture that Munich embodies today. (Muenchen.de)

Alter Peter: Info and entrance fees to the church of St. Peter with lookout tower, Das officiale stadtportal. 2022. Accessed July 12th 2022. https://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120347.html.

Glockenspiel - Carillion, Munich Tourist Info. Accessed July 12th 2022. http://www.munich-touristinfo.de/Carillon.htm.

Marienplatz - the Heart of Munich, Simply Munich. Accessed July 12th 2022. https://www.munich.travel/en/pois/urban-districts/marienplatz#/.

Munich's Old Town Hall - with a Toy Museum and Festival Hall, Das officiale stadtportal. 2022. Accessed July 12th 2022. https://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120347.html.

The Marienplatz in Munich's old town - what makes it so worth seeing, Das officiale stadtportal. 2022. Accessed July 12th 2022. https://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120347.html.

The New Town Hall: Viewpoint, architecture, glockenspiel and more, Das officiale stadtportal. 2022. Accessed July 12th 2022. https://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120347.html.