Onlookers Observe the Commissioning of the Carillon at Munich City Hall 1945-2

Description

Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich City Hall 1945-2. The Munich old town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely hit by 74 allied air raids during World War II. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of the Destruction
F More than 50% of the entire city was destroyed; in the city center, the rate was even higher.
F The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
F By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important Damaged or Destroyed Monuments
Churches
F Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained.
F Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
F St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Severely hit, tower damaged.
F Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
F Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Alte Residenz, the treasury, and the court chapel.
F Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
City Hall & Squares
F Old Town Hall: Heavy damage, tower remained.
F New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
F Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
F Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
F Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged, but remained.
F National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
F Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Munich old town was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. But through the reconstruction after 1945 — often with reconstructions of historical buildings — the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements were integrated.