Odeonsplatz in Munich: Feldherrnhalle, Theatinerkirche and the Residenz

Italian flair between the Old Town and Ludwigstraße

Odeonsplatz marks the transition between the historic Old Town and Ludwigstraße. Its distinctive appearance comes from the interplay of Italian-influenced Baroque and Munich Neoclassicism.

The Feldherrnhalle is modeled on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, the Theatinerkirche draws on Roman High Baroque, and the Hofgarten on Italian Renaissance gardens. The former Odeon concert hall and the Palais Leuchtenberg also borrow motifs from Italian palace architecture. The arcades of the Bazar Building reinforce the feel of a southern piazza.

This architectural closeness to Italy is largely due to King Ludwig I. His passion for Italian art shaped Odeonsplatz, Ludwigstraße, and other parts of Munich's Neoclassical city expansion. Even while the Feldherrnhalle is being renovated, a visit is worthwhile for the Theatinerkirche, the Residenz, and the adjoining Hofgarten.

👉 At Odeonsplatz, several of Munich's most important sights sit just steps apart in a square setting inspired by Florence and Rome.

Theatinerkirche: The landmark of Odeonsplatz

With its yellow facade, twin towers, and mighty dome, the Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan defines Odeonsplatz.

Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, had the church built in gratitude for the birth of their long-awaited heir, Max Emanuel. The foundation stone was laid in 1663. Agostino Barelli of Bologna was engaged as the first master builder.

Barelli modeled his design on the Theatine church of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome. Enrico Zuccalli later took over artistic direction and shaped the dome and the two towers. The current facade was created in the 18th century based on designs by François de Cuvilliés the Elder.

The bright interior features white stucco, high arcades, and a dome rising about 70 meters (about 230 feet). Numerous members of the House of Wittelsbach, Bavaria's former ruling dynasty, rest in the royal crypt. Visits may be restricted during church services and religious events.

👉 The Baroque Theatinerkirche, with its yellow facade and dome rising about 70 meters (230 feet), is the defining landmark of Munich's Odeonsplatz.

Feldherrnhalle: Florentine model and Munich history

The Feldherrnhalle forms the southern end of Odeonsplatz. King Ludwig I had it built by Friedrich von Gärtner between 1841 and 1844.

Its main historical model was the Loggia dei Lanzi on Piazza della Signoria in Florence. Munich's Feldherrnhalle is not a mere copy, however. Its proportions and decoration were adapted to the layout of the square and to Ludwig I's wish to honor the Bavarian army.

The side arches hold bronze statues of Count Tilly and Prince Wrede. The Bavarian Army Memorial in the center was added at the end of the 19th century. The two lions flanking the stairs were only installed at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Feldherrnhalle is currently undergoing comprehensive renovation. Natural stone and plaster surfaces are being restored, vaults and pillars secured, and the bronzes and lions repaired. The building's technical systems are also being modernized. The work is expected to continue until 2028.

👉 Munich's Feldherrnhalle was modeled on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence and is undergoing comprehensive renovation expected to last until 2028.

The view along Ludwigstraße to the Siegestor

From the southern part of the square, the view opens up past the equestrian statue of Ludwig I and along Ludwigstraße to the Siegestor (Victory Gate). The Feldherrnhalle and the Siegestor form the two monumental endpoints of this grand boulevard.

Ludwigstraße was built in the 19th century based on plans by Leo von Klenze and Friedrich von Gärtner. It is lined by the Bavarian State Library, Ludwig Maximilian University, and the Ludwigskirche, among others. Beyond the Siegestor, it becomes Leopoldstraße.

This visual axis is one of Munich's most impressive cityscapes. It shows especially clearly the transition from the small-scale Old Town to the generously planned Maxvorstadt.

👉 From Odeonsplatz, the view stretches along Ludwigstraße for about one kilometer (0.6 miles) to the Siegestor.

Residenz: The former city palace of the Wittelsbach dynasty

The Munich Residenz extends along the eastern side of the square ensemble. From 1508 to 1918, it served as the residence and seat of government of Bavaria's dukes, electors, and kings.

Over several centuries, a medieval castle grew into a sprawling palace complex. Its most famous interiors include the Antiquarium, the Imperial Rooms (Kaiserzimmer), and the Ornate Rooms (Reiche Zimmer). Visitors can also tour the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theater.

Plan considerably more time for a full visit to the Residenz than for a walk around Odeonsplatz. Hours and admission fees vary by museum section.

👉 The Munich Residenz on Odeonsplatz was the residence and seat of government of the Wittelsbach dynasty for more than four centuries.

Hofgarten: A Renaissance garden next to Odeonsplatz

Through the Hofgarten Gate, you can walk directly from Odeonsplatz into the Hofgarten. The garden was laid out beginning in 1613 under Duke Maximilian I, following the model of Italian Renaissance gardens.

At its center stands the Diana Temple (Dianatempel), from which eight paths radiate through the garden. Gravel paths, fountains, flower beds, and numerous benches make the Hofgarten a popular spot in the city center.

In summer, musicians occasionally perform around the Diana Temple, and dance groups use the pavilion and its surroundings. From the Hofgarten, paths continue to the Bavarian State Chancellery, the Haus der Kunst, and the Englischer Garten (English Garden).

👉 The Hofgarten connects Odeonsplatz with the Residenz and the southern part of the Englischer Garten.

Bazar Building and Hofgarten Gate

The Bazar Building (Bazargebäude), designed by Leo von Klenze, borders the actual Odeonsplatz to the east. It was built on the site of the former royal riding school.

Its long arcades visually connect the square with the Hofgarten Gate and reinforce the feel of an Italian piazza. The building houses, among other things, the long-established Café Tambosi.

The Hofgarten Gate was built in 1816 and is one of Leo von Klenze's early Munich works. It forms the direct passage between Odeonsplatz and the Hofgarten.

Geographically, the Bazar Building clearly belongs to the actual Odeonsplatz. For most visitors, however, the Theatinerkirche, Feldherrnhalle, Residenz, and Hofgarten take center stage.

👉 The Bazar Building with its arcades forms the eastern wall of the actual Odeonsplatz and the transition to the Hofgarten.

The former Odeon and the Palais Leuchtenberg

The square is named after the former Odeon concert hall, built by Leo von Klenze between 1826 and 1828. The concert and ballroom venue was barely recognizable from the outside, because Klenze designed its facade as a mirror image of the neighboring Palais Leuchtenberg.

The Odeon was heavily damaged in World War II. The historic concert hall was not rebuilt during reconstruction. Today, the building houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.

The neighboring Palais Leuchtenberg was originally built for Eugène de Beauharnais, Napoleon's stepson and the son-in-law of Bavaria's King Max I Joseph. Today it houses the Bavarian Ministry of Finance.

The facades of both buildings draw on the Italian Renaissance and echo motifs of the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

👉 Odeonsplatz bears the name of a former concert hall whose building today houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.

The two monumental flagpoles

In front of the Feldherrnhalle stand two richly decorated flagpoles, each about 26 meters (about 85 feet) tall. They commemorate the 100th birthday of King Ludwig I and the 70th birthday of Prince Regent Luitpold.

The poles are crowned by a Bavarian Lion and a Münchner Kindl, the "Munich Child" from the city's coat of arms. Accordingly, they usually fly Bavaria's white-and-blue state colors and Munich's black-and-gold city colors.

The flagpoles date from the late 19th century and were thus erected long before the Nazi era. They are part of the square ensemble's landmarked features.

👉 The two 26-meter (85-foot) flagpoles in front of the Feldherrnhalle, topped by the Bavarian Lion and the Münchner Kindl, represent Bavaria and its capital.

Equestrian statue of King Ludwig I

On the northern part of the square stands the equestrian statue of King Ludwig I. The City of Munich erected it in 1862 in honor of the king, who had been the driving force behind the development of Odeonsplatz and Ludwigstraße.

Ludwig I is shown on horseback with crown and scepter. The accompanying figures represent justice and perseverance. Further allegories refer to religion, poetry, industry, and architecture.

To make room for the equestrian statue, two composers' monuments previously located on Odeonsplatz were relocated. The statues of Christoph Willibald Gluck and Orlando di Lasso have stood on Promenadeplatz ever since.

👉 The equestrian statue erected in 1862 commemorates King Ludwig I as the most important patron of Odeonsplatz and Ludwigstraße.

The Hitler Putsch and the "Drückebergergassl"

On November 9, 1923, the Nazi coup attempt ended at the Feldherrnhalle. Bavarian state police officers confronted the marchers. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, four police officers — Friedrich Fink, Nikolaus Hollweg, Max Schoberth, and Rudolf Schraut — were among those killed.

During the Nazi regime, the Feldherrnhalle was reinterpreted as a site of propaganda and cult worship. Passersby were expected to honor a Nazi memorial installed there with the Hitler salute. Those who wanted to avoid doing so slipped through Viscardigasse, the lane behind the Feldherrnhalle. This earned it the nickname "Drückebergergassl" — roughly, "shirkers' alley." Today, the bronze trail "Argumente" set into the pavement of Viscardigasse commemorates this act of quiet refusal.

A bronze plaque on the west facade of the Residenz, next to the passage to the Kaiserhof courtyard, commemorates the four police officers killed in 1923.

A memorial plaque set into the ground in front of the Feldherrnhalle in 1994 was removed in 2011 and transferred to the Münchner Stadtmuseum (Munich City Museum). It can no longer be seen on Odeonsplatz.

👉 Viscardigasse and the memorial plaque on the Residenz commemorate, at Odeonsplatz, the resistance to the Hitler Putsch and the later Nazi staging of the Feldherrnhalle.

History and earlier names of Odeonsplatz

The site of today's Odeonsplatz was originally occupied by parts of Munich's city fortifications, the Schwabinger Tor gate, moats, ramparts, and a royal riding school.

The Schwabinger Tor was demolished in 1817, when Munich expanded northward. Crown Prince Ludwig had already commissioned Leo von Klenze in 1816 to plan Ludwigstraße and the adjoining square.

Before receiving its current name, the area was known as Fürstenplatz and later Reitschulplatz. The name Reitschulplatz ("riding school square") referred to the former royal riding school on the eastern side of today's square.

The square has been called Odeonsplatz since 1827 — after the then newly built Odeon concert hall. In the strict geographical sense, the name refers to the square north of the Theatinerkirche and Feldherrnhalle. In everyday usage, the southern forecourt between the Theatinerkirche, Residenz, and Feldherrnhalle is included as well.

👉 Odeonsplatz has borne its name since 1827, after the former Odeon concert hall, and was previously known as Fürstenplatz or Reitschulplatz.

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Events on Odeonsplatz

Klassik am Odeonsplatz

One of the best-known events is the two-day summer open-air festival "Klassik am Odeonsplatz," featuring concerts by the Munich Philharmonic, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and international star soloists.

The next edition takes place on July 10 and 11, 2027.

Munich City Birthday (Stadtgeburtstag)

During the annual Münchner Stadtgeburtstag, Munich's city birthday celebration, Odeonsplatz becomes part of a large festival route through the Old Town. Traditional highlights include the crafts village with demonstration workshops and hands-on activities, plus rides, food stands, and other fair attractions.

Zamanand Festival

The free Zamanand Festival transforms Ludwigstraße between Odeonsplatz and the Siegestor into a car-free festival zone. The program features music, culture, science, hands-on activities, and offerings on sustainability and social cohesion. The next announced dates are September 12 and 13, 2026.

St. Patrick's Day

At Munich's St. Patrick's Day celebration, the parade runs from Münchner Freiheit along Ludwigstraße to Odeonsplatz. In front of the Feldherrnhalle, there's a pre-party, concerts, dancing, food, and an open-air festival. For 2027, the festivities are scheduled for March 13 and 14.

Ander Art Festival

The Ander Art Festival celebrates Munich's cultural diversity. The free open-air festival brings music, dance, art, hands-on activities, and Munich's international communities to Odeonsplatz. Ander Art traditionally takes place on the second Saturday of Oktoberfest. In 2026, the date is September 26.

Costume and Riflemen's Parade (Trachten- und Schützenzug)

The Trachten- und Schützenzug, the traditional costume and riflemen's parade held for Oktoberfest, also follows this grand route through downtown Munich. The procession runs along Ludwigstraße and across Odeonsplatz toward the Old Town and the Theresienwiese festival grounds.

👉 With Klassik am Odeonsplatz, the Munich City Birthday, the Zamanand Festival, St. Patrick's Day, and Ander Art, Odeonsplatz is one of the most important event venues in downtown Munich.

Which streets connect to Odeonsplatz?

To the north, Odeonsplatz flows into Ludwigstraße, which continues past the university and the Siegestor toward Leopoldstraße and the Schwabing district.

To the west, Brienner Straße and Franz-Xaver-Schweyer-Straße lead toward Wittelsbacherplatz. To the east, Galeriestraße and Hofgartenstraße connect to the square.

In the southern part of the square, Theatinerstraße and Residenzstraße begin. Both continue as pedestrian zones into the Old Town. Behind the Feldherrnhalle, Viscardigasse links the two streets.

👉 At Odeonsplatz, Ludwigstraße, Brienner Straße, the Hofgarten, and the pedestrian zones of Munich's Old Town all come together.

Tips for your visit

Plan about 30 to 45 minutes for a first walk around the square. If you also want to visit the Theatinerkirche, the Hofgarten, or the Residenz, allow more time accordingly.

The square tends to be quieter in the early morning. In the late afternoon, the light falls especially beautifully on the yellow facade of the Theatinerkirche. Due to the renovation, the Feldherrnhalle is currently scaffolded and only of limited appeal as a photo subject.

One possible route leads from Marienplatz along Theatinerstraße to Odeonsplatz. From there, you can continue through the Hofgarten to the Englischer Garten or follow Ludwigstraße to the Siegestor.

👉 Odeonsplatz combines easily on foot with Marienplatz, the Residenz, the Hofgarten, Ludwigstraße, and the Englischer Garten.

Getting there by public transportation

The Odeonsplatz subway station lies directly beneath the square. Subway lines U3, U4, U5, and U6 stop here. You can also reach the square by bus 100.

From Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz is also within walking distance via Weinstraße and Theatinerstraße or via Residenzstraße.

Parking near Odeonsplatz is limited. Given the central location and frequent street closures, public transportation is the recommended way to get there.

👉 The Odeonsplatz subway station connects lines U3, U4, U5, and U6 directly beneath the square.

Admission and accessibility

Odeonsplatz is a public square and freely accessible. The Residenz and its collections have their own hours and admission fees.

The square itself is largely step-free. The Feldherrnhalle can only be reached via stairs. In churches, museums, and historic buildings, some areas may have limited accessibility.

During major events, familiar routes, entrances, and subway exits may be temporarily closed or rerouted.

👉 Odeonsplatz itself is largely step-free, while the Feldherrnhalle can only be reached via stairs.

Did you know? Fun facts about Odeonsplatz

• The building that gave Odeonsplatz its name today houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.
• The actual Odeonsplatz lies north of the Theatinerkirche and Feldherrnhalle. In everyday usage, the southern forecourt is included as well.
• Until 1817, the medieval Schwabinger Tor gate stood on the site of the Feldherrnhalle.
• Monuments to the composers Christoph Willibald Gluck and Orlando di Lasso originally stood in front of the former Odeon.
• To make room for the equestrian statue of Ludwig I, erected in 1862, both composers' monuments were moved to Promenadeplatz.
• The two flagpoles in front of the Feldherrnhalle are each about 26 meters (85 feet) tall.
• The Feldherrnhalle and the Siegestor form the southern and northern monumental endpoints of Ludwigstraße.
• The Bazar Building belongs to the actual Odeonsplatz, while the Theatinerkirche and Feldherrnhalle are geographically part of the square in the broader sense.
• The southern part of Odeonsplatz has been part of Munich's pedestrian zone since 1972.
• Viscardigasse earned the nickname "Drückebergergassl" ("shirkers' alley") because people used it during the Nazi era to avoid the mandatory Hitler salute at the Feldherrnhalle.

👉 Odeonsplatz brings together, in a compact space, medieval city history, royal urban planning, Italian architectural models, and Munich's culture of remembrance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Odeonsplatz

What is there to see at Odeonsplatz?

Directly on Odeonsplatz are the Feldherrnhalle, the Theatinerkirche, the Munich Residenz, and the Hofgarten. Behind the Feldherrnhalle, you'll also find Viscardigasse, known as the "Drückebergergassl."

How long will the Feldherrnhalle renovation take?

According to current plans, the renovation is expected to continue until 2028. During the work, the Feldherrnhalle is scaffolded and can only be seen to a limited extent.

Why is it called Odeonsplatz?

The square is named after the former Odeon concert hall. It was built by Leo von Klenze and today houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.

Did Odeonsplatz used to have a different name?

Yes. Before being named Odeonsplatz in 1827, the area was called Fürstenplatz and later Reitschulplatz.

What are the main sights at Odeonsplatz?

The main sights are the Theatinerkirche, the Feldherrnhalle, the Residenz, and the Hofgarten. Also of note are the equestrian statue of Ludwig I, the flagpoles, the former Odeon, the Palais Leuchtenberg, and the Bazar Building.

Where does Odeonsplatz's Italian flair come from?

Several buildings follow Italian models. The Feldherrnhalle is based on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, the Theatinerkirche on Roman Baroque, and the palace facades on models such as the Palazzo Farnese.

Is the Bazar Building part of Odeonsplatz?

Yes. The Bazar Building forms the eastern wall of the actual Odeonsplatz. Its arcades lead to the Hofgarten Gate and the Hofgarten.

What do the two flagpoles stand for?

The flagpoles commemorate King Ludwig I and Prince Regent Luitpold. They are crowned by a Bavarian Lion and a Münchner Kindl and fly the state and city colors, respectively.

Is the memorial plaque in the ground still there?

No. The memorial plaque for four police officers killed in 1923, set into the ground in front of the Feldherrnhalle in 1994, was removed in 2011 and transferred to the Münchner Stadtmuseum. Today, a bronze plaque on the Residenz commemorates the four men.

Can you see the Siegestor from Odeonsplatz?

Yes. From the southern part of the square, the view stretches along Ludwigstraße all the way to the Siegestor.

Which streets lead on from Odeonsplatz?

Ludwigstraße leads north and Brienner Straße west. Galeriestraße and Hofgartenstraße connect to the east. To the south, Theatinerstraße and Residenzstraße lead into the Old Town.

Which subway goes to Odeonsplatz?

The Odeonsplatz subway station is served by lines U3, U4, U5, and U6. That puts the square within direct reach of the Hauptbahnhof (central station), Stachus, Marienplatz, and the university, among others.