Onlookers Observe the Commissioning of the Carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-8

Description

Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-8. The Munich old town was heavily destroyed in 1945 as the city was severely hit by 74 allied air raids during the Second World War. 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
9 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
9 Approximately 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
9 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
9 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
9 Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade severely damaged.
9 St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
9 Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
7F Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Old Residence, the Treasure Chamber, and the Court Chapel.
7F Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
7F Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
7F New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
7F Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
7F Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
7F Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but preserved.
7F National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
7F Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.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. 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.