Onlookers Observe the Commissioning of the Glockenspiel at Munich Town Hall 1945-6

Description

Onlookers observe the commissioning of the Glockenspiel at Munich Town Hall 1945-6 The old city of Munich 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 bombardments that reduced large parts of the historic old town to rubble.
Extent of Destruction
E Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
E Approximately 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historic buildings, churches, and squares.
E By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important damaged or destroyed architectural monuments
Churches
E Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
E Theatine Church: dome and facade heavily damaged.
E St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): severely hit, tower damaged.
E Asam Church: interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
E Munich Residence: almost completely burned out, only sections of the outer walls stood. Particularly affected were the Old Residence, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
E Nymphenburg Palace: less damaged than other buildings, but some areas were affected.
Town Hall & Squares
E Old Town Hall: severe damage, tower remained intact.
E New Town Hall at Marienplatz: parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
E Marienplatz: many surrounding buildings were damaged or destroyed.
E Viktualienmarkt: large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
E Feldherrnhalle: facade damaged but preserved.
E National Theatre: almost completely destroyed.
E Bavarian State Library: most of it burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The old city of Munich was one of the most destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.