Tips for Your Visit: The New Town Hall
If there’s one question that even our well-informed Munich guests struggle to answer, it’s about the age of our Town Hall. No surprise—at first glance, it seems like a magnificent medieval building. Many of our tour guests estimate it to be 500 or 600 years old. However, as its name suggests, Munich’s "New Town Hall" was actually built between 1867 and 1909 by architect Georg von Hauberrisser! What looks medieval is, in fact, modern—Neo-Gothic, to be precise.
Celebrating Bayern Munich & the Dancing Schäffler
Two features of the New Town Hall's façade have made it world-famous:
On the balcony above the Munich Information Center, the city's famous soccer team FC Bayern München regularly celebrates its championships, cheered on by thousands of fans on Marienplatz. The Glockenspiel (carillon) attracts visitors from all over the world, all looking up with phones ready—only to be disappointed when they realize that the cheerful figure parade doesn’t play every hour. Instead, the show happens at 11 AM, 12 PM, and (from March to October) at 5 PM.
With its 43 bells, the Glockenspiel is the fifth-largest in Europe. It features two rotating scenes The "Kröndlstechen" knight’s tournament, celebrating the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine, and the Schäffler dancers, who performed after Munich survived the plague, bringing joy back to the city.
Insider tip: Visit Marienplatz at 9 PM to see a night watchman appear next to the Glockenspiel, followed by Munich’s "Kindl" (child mascot) being gently put to bed by the Angel of Peace to Brahms’ Lullaby. Guten Abend, gute Nacht! Good evening, good night!
Grand Courtyard & Stunning Windows
Be sure to step into the Grand Courtyard (Prunkhof), accessible through the passage beneath the Town Hall Tower. The stone labyrinth on the ground is fun for kids and adults alike. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval castle, surrounded by gargoyles, spiral staircases, and stained-glass windows reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals. In the warmer months, the outdoor area of the Ratskeller restaurant invites you to take a break. And during Christmas, the community that donates the huge Christmas tree on Marienplatz sells its own mulled wine right here. We always love stopping by!
A Touch of Hogwarts
If you visit during office hours, take a peek inside the New Town Hall. The enchanting hallways and staircases will remind you of Harry Potter’s world. Look closely at the railings and columns—can you spot: the lovers? the Frog Prince? the finger-wrestling competitors?
The intricate stained-glass windows in the inner courtyard also tell fascinating stories, from their original design to war damage and later restoration with help from sponsors.
One of the hidden gems is the Juristische Bibliothek (Law Library), with its ornate wooden bookshelves and spiral staircases. We personally love visiting during official Town Hall tours—preferably outside library hours, so we don’t disturb any future lawyers preparing for their exams...