MAXIMILIANSTRASSE

Description

Essentials about Maximilianstrasse in brief

Along with Brienner Strasse, Ludwigstrasse and Prinzregentenstrasse, Maximilianstrasse is one of Munich’s four boulevards and one of the most expensive shopping streets in the Bavarian capital. It connects Max-Joseph-Platz at the Munich Residenz with the Maximilianeum, the seat of the Bavarian Parliament. However, Maximilianstrasse is not only the place to shop for expensive luxury goods, but also to indulge in cultural delights at the Munich Opera House and several theaters.

The history and architecture of Maximilianstrasse

The idea of building Maximilianstrasse as a boulevard goes back to King Maximlian II. His urban planning ideas differed considerably from those of his father, King Ludwig I. Maximilian II.wanted to demonstrate with the Maximilianstrasse his consequent will to initiate a new architectural style, which was a mixture of different style epochs under dominance of the English Neo-Gothic.

Maximilianstrasse was deliberately chosen as the new urban development axis to the east, so as not to have to build on any predecessor street and not to have to show any consideration for the established structures of the old town. The design of the street, whose construction began in 1852, is the work of the architect Georg Friedrich Christian Bürklein (who was also responsible for the construction of Munich’s main train station). The architectural style favored by Maximilian, which combines elements of different style periods such as Neo-Gothic and Renaissance, met with much criticism, but makes Maximilianstrasse unique for Munich in terms of urban planning.

The course of Maximilianstrasse

Maximilianstrasse begins at Max-Joseph-Platz, south of the Munich Residenz, and runs absolutely straight in a southeasterly direction to the Isar. Shortly before the Altstadtring, it widens into a forum, crosses the Altstadtring and continues in a new width to the Isar, to which it forms a flowing transition together with its green spaces with park-like planting. Maximiliansstrasse then crosses the Isar on the Maximiliansbrücke bridge and ends in front of the Maximilianeum, which today houses the Bavarian state parliament.

Art and culture on Maximilianstrasse

Along Maximilianstrasse are some of Munich’s most important cultural institutions. The Residenztheater and the Munich National Theatre, the opera house of the Bavarian capital, are located at Max-Joseph-Platz. In addition, the street is home to the Münchner Kammerspiele, known primarily for its contemporary plays, and the GOP Varieté Theater, famous for its eclectic variety and cabaret shows.

Shopping on Maximilianstrasse

Since the 1970s, Maximilianstrasse has also been one of Munich’s most exclusive shopping miles. Those with a somewhat deeper wallet will find the stores of Armani, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Zegna and other representatives of the who’s who of the international luxury goods industry.