Theatinerstrasse
Culture and shopping are closely connected in this triangle. Theatinerstrasse, with its elegant boutiques, is one of the top places to stroll. Coming from Marienplatz, you will notice an unusual façade of bronzed perforated metal plate mid-way on the left-hand side. It harbors the “Fünf Höfe” with the Kunsthalle at its heart, an exhibition forum of the HypoVereinsbank that has become a public attraction thanks to its spectacular art shows. Opposite, a ramified passageway takes you to Residenzstrasse. The unique backdrop of Max-Joseph-Platz now spreads before you: To the right is Bavaria’s former centralmint with a wonderfully curved front; straight ahead, hidden behind a columned portico is the opera. To the left lies the massive Residenz, the erstwhile seat of theWittelsbacher dynasty. The façade recalls the Palazzo Pitti in Florence,which indeed served as inspiration for the famous architect Leo von Klenzewhen preparing the Residenz blueprints.
Hofgarten
The Hofgarten park, which was laid out in 1613–1617, goes back to the reign of Maximilian I. Especially attractive are the Hofgarten gate and the archway that was added by Leo von Klenze at the beginning of the 19th century in order to create an architectural link from the Residenz to the newly built Ludwigstrasse. The Diana Temple in the center of the garden is assumed to be a work by Heinrich Schön the Elder from the year 1615.
Residenzstrasse
More luxury boutiques await you on Residenzstrasse. Further down, in the shadow of the Residenz, two detours are worth your while: First, there is the “Preysingpalais” at No. 27 on the corner of Viscardigasse. It was the first Rococo palace built by the renowned architect Josef Effner in 1723. Using stucco on the façade at the time was a novelty. The other detour is diagonally opposite. A passageway leads to one of the most beautiful interior yards of the Residenz, the Brunnenhof. The legendary “Serenade Concerts” are held here, weather permitting.
The Lions are loose
For Berlin’s inhabitants, the symbol is a bear – for Munich’s citizens, its a lion. He not only sits in coats of arms, he stands proud on monuments, and now he also runs around streets and squares - so loud and colorfully, that you may ask yourself what else he’s capable of. Here in the Residenzstrasse, passers-by even rub his nose, which is supposed to bring luck.
