Johann Hunt
Munich, a city rich in history and culture, endured significant destruction during WWII. Several of its iconic buildings suffered damage from the period’s devastation—some major, others minor. Here are ten historic buildings in Munich that suffered the trials of WWII, yet architects and engineers still restored them. They remain prominent landmarks today.
The Frauenkirche (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady), Frauenplatz
With its twin domes, this iconic symbol of Munich suffered significant damage during the period but remained structurally intact. Restoration efforts began in the late 1940s, and by the 1950s, the church had regained its former appearance. Today, the Frauenkirche remains a central part of the city’s skyline and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising.
The Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals’ Hall), Odeonsplatz
This open loggia, inspired by the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, was originally built to honor the Bavarian army and later played a role in Nazi history. A significant historical site, the Feldherrnhalle endured the battle and remains a notable landmark. It sustained minor damage, needing work to regain its glory. The reconstruction ended in the 1950s.
The Residenz (Munich Residence), Residenzstrasse
The former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs suffered massive wartime destruction, with most of its rooms being redone between 1945 and the 1980s. However, these post-war reconstructions were not as grand as the original pieces because they had simpler designs. The Yellow Staircase in the Konisgsbau was added in 2021.
The Siegestor (Victory Gate), Leopoldstrasse
Originally dedicated to the Bavarian army as a peace offering, this triumphal arch suffered heavy damage during WWII. Thankfully, the Siegestor was restored in the 1950s, but some of its war damage was deliberately left as a reminder of the consequences of war. It still serves as a monument and a reminder of peace.
The Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church), Neuhauser Strasse
As the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps, St. Michael’s Church survived the war, but the roof and interior were severely damaged. Then, between 1946 and 1948, its restoration ended with its consecration in 1957, after 14 years of reconstruction. It houses the tomb of King Ludwig II, one of Bavaria’s most famous rulers.
The Theatinerkirche (Theatine Church), Odeonsplatz
The Theatine Church is a striking example of Baroque architecture, inspired by the Sant’Andrea della Valle in Rome and crafted by Italian architect Agostino Barelli. The war’s shellings didn’t spare the monastery and the church, but they left the west wing intact. The rebuilding ended, yet more additions were made from 2001 to 2019.
The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), Marienplatz
The Neues Rathaus, located in Marienplatz, is known for its Glockenspiel, which entertains visitors daily. Although the Neues Rathaus sustained roof damage during WWII, the main structure remained intact. Restoration efforts in the 1950s ensured it continued serving as Munich’s city hall.
The Alter Hof (Old Court), Alter Hof Street
The blasts did not spare the Alter Hof because they left significant damage that called for a complete reconstruction, which was done between 1953 and 1966. Once the residence of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV, the Alter Hof today houses various offices and exhibitions, preserving its historical importance within Munich.
The Hofbrauhaus (Beer Hall) Platzl
One of the prominent beer halls in the world, the Hofbrauhaus sustained significant damage during the Third Reich conflicts in 1944. These blitzes almost flattened it such that everything, except the beer hall, was destroyed. Later, in 1958, the Festival Hall was re-opened to mark the post-war reconstructions.
The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), Marienplatz
While only some parts of the Old Town Hall were destroyed during the battle, its core structure survived. The current standing building has been restored to its former Gothic glory and now serves as a museum and event space. Jorg von Halsbach did the rebuilding.