The Bayerische Staatskanzlei towers majestically with its roots firmly in the city centre at the Hofgarten. This mighty structure – the combination of a stone dome and glass wings – leaves no room for doubt: This is the centre of Bavaria's power.
Those enjoying a walk through the Englischer Garten (park) to the Hofgarten (Court Garden) should not miss the chance to take in the Bavarian State Chancellery. As a seat of government authority, it supports the Prime Minister and the State Government in their tasks. People interested in politics are simply astonished – after all, this is the core of Bavarian power.
Quite aside from that thought, the Bavarian State Chancellery is well worth a visit, especially for those who love architecture. The building wows onlookers because it combines both new and old. The plans for this striking architectural achievement go back to the former Prime Minister, Franz Josef Strauss. The current building was completed in 1993. The dome construction belonging to the former Army Museum, which is now located in Ingolstadt, has since been renovated. The new building stands out from all angles. That’s because: The Renaissance arcades radiate over the Hofgarten as beautifully glazed wings.
This place certainly has something magical about it: Many come to simply enjoy a picnic under the trees, curl up with a good book on a bench, soak up those wonderful sun rays and enjoy the delightful sound of a babbling fountain. Thankfully, all that is possible today. Especially given that: for nearly 30 years, the Bavarian state government and the City of Munich were entangled in a dispute over the reconstruction of today’s State Chancellery building. It was all about its location vis-a-vis the Hofgarten and the Münchner Residenz (palace). "Save the Hofgarten" was the name given to a citizens' initiative that was kick-started at that time.
Only after the death of Franz Josef Strauss in 1988 did his successor, Max Streibl, succeed in achieving a compromise. Ultimately, the finished building spanned 8,800 square metres and was only half as large as planned, before then Prime Minister Edmund Stoiber was able to move into his new office in 1993. Enjoying a picnic in the Hofgarten takes on an entirely new significance, just as this place bears such relevance for the state of Bavaria itself.
