View of the Neues Rathaus and the towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich.

New Town Hall

FC Bayern's favourite balcony

The New Town Hall is the home of politics in Munich and its balcony is also the place where FC Bayern greet their fans when they’ve won the championships.

Overview

- Glockenspiel
- Münchner Kindl
- Tickets and tours
- FAQ

 

With its ornate, Neo-Gothic facade, the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) at Marienplatz (square) looks slightly older than it actually is. As a matter of fact, initial construction took place between 1867 and 1905 after the neighbouring Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) became too small for Munich’s city council.

 

Glockenspiel

One of the most important attractions is the Glockenspiel in the hall's tower, whose daily performances at 11 am and 12 am (and 5 pm in the summer months) attract audiences from around the world.

The dancers' six waltzes to four different songs change on a monthly basis. Around 9 pm each evening, the Glockenspiel plays Richard Wagner's “Meistersinger von Nürnberg” and Johannes Brahms’ “Lullaby” to send the symbol of Munich, the Münchner Kindl, off to bed.

The Glockenspiel tells two stories from Munich's history:

The top layer demonstrates the marriage of Wilhelm V and Renate von Lothringen in 1568. To honour the bride and groom, a knights' tournament was held on Marienplatz.

The lower level shows the Schäfflertanz (the dance of the coopers). After a terrible epidemic of the plague, the barrel makers are said to have been the first people to risk stepping back out onto the streets, dancing for the amusement of the population gripped by fear of the disease.

 

Münchner Kindl

A statue of the Münchner Kindl sits on top of the tower, watching over the city: the heraldic figure of the city, a monk, is often referred to as the Münchner Kindl (Munich child) – a title which is also available to anyone born in the city.

The Münchner Kindl (Munich child) is often a homorous childlike figure, which presents itself with a beer mug, radish and pretzel.

The first documented reference to Munich as “forum apud Munichen” (“near the monks”) dates from 1158. In the second half of the 19th century, a humorously cute figure emerged alongside the official “Münchner Kindl”, usually depicted holding a beer stein, radish or pretzel.

The advertising career of the defenceless Münchner Kindl really took off in later years: it posed to sell bicycle tyres, galoshes, wine, men's underwear, disinfectant, pasta, tropical fruits, cough sweets, fig coffee and innumerable other products. It even took up smoking (the extremely strong Zuban brand cigarettes) and also become a liqueur bottle (Riemerschmid).

The Münchner Kindl also appeared on wartime postcards and even on the election posters of political parties on all sides, though it must be said that people preferred to see it on posters for Fasching (Carnival) and, of course, Oktoberfest. Numerous three-dimensional versions have also been produced, generally as souvenirs in the form of dolls or key rings.

There is still a “real” Münchner Kindl that waves during the Wiesn-Einzug (the parade that marks the official opening of the Oktoberfest) and represents the city on other official occasions: since 1938, a young woman, usually from the family of an innkeeper, actor or brewer, has dressed up as the embodiment of this symbol of Munich each year.

 

Book your visit of the Tower now

Tickets and tours

However, the tower has a number of other impressive features: you can take the lift up to the viewing platform, where you can soak up a marvellous view over the old town. Tickets for the tower ascent can be booked online.

Tour of the Rathaus

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official city tour guide. Read more

You will also get a glimpse of some exciting features during a 90-minute tour of the Neues Rathaus, which will take you through its grand rooms and to the building’s balcony, the backdrop for FC Bayern's championship celebrations.

During the tour, you will learn about the history of the building and the stories behind some of the city's historical figures who adorn the Neues Rathaus’ facade. Tickets are also available directly from the Tourist Information office in the Neues Rathaus.

 

Frequently asked questions about the New Town Hall

 

The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) in Munich on Marienplatz was built from 1867 to 1905. The architect Georg von Hauberrisser was 25 years old when he designed the building in the neo-Gothic style.

 

The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) in Munich is about 80 metres high with its tower. You can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Munich on the 9th floor on a viewing platform.

The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) on Marienplatz in Munich is home to the Lord Mayor and the Munich City Council. It is also the headquarters of the city administration.

The Glockenspiel (carillon) takes place daily at 11 am and 12 noon, and additionally at 5 pm from March to October.

 

Photos: Frank Stolle, Rainer Viertlböck
The chef of the restaurant Schneider Bräuhauses München is cutting a knuckle of pork with a big knife.

Eat & Drink

Greetings from the Munich kitchen

Munich is a city full of tradition - of course also from a gastronomic point of view. An overview.

Munich is full of tradition - of course also from a gastronomic point of view. A tour through the kitchens of the city.

A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopping & Design

Munich is a true paradise for shopping

A successful city trip should include an extensive shopping spree.

A successful city trip includes an extensive shopping spree: Munich offers almost heavenly conditions!

Blue Horse I by Franz Marc on display at the Lenbachhaus in Munich.

Arts & Culture

Munich's museums

Munich's most important museums, galleries and collections at a glance.

Munich is pure cultural pleasure! We present the most important Munich museums, galleries and collections at a glance.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Munich's Palace of Justice

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for only 20€ !

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 20 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for only 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".

Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bag on green background

Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.