Overview

Built according to plans drawn up by Friedrich von Gärtner in 1841-44, the Feldherrenhalle (Field Marshall's Hall) was commissioned by King Ludwig I, who demanded that it be modeled on Florence's Loggia dei Lanzi. The building reflects the transition between the Medieval town and the new city of Munich (the so-called Maxvorstadt). The Feldherrenhalle stands above Odeonsplatz and its grounds (the piece of land between Theatiner and Residenzstraße), which were once occupied by Schwabinger Tor, one of the city gates, until it was demolished in 1817. In the 1930s and 1940s, the hall was an important memorial for the Nazis, as it was here that Hitler's attempted putsch came to an end on 9th November 1923. People were compelled to salute and say Sieg Heil whenever they passed by. The tiny alley behind the Feldherrenhalle came to be known as Drückebergergässchen or Shirker's Alley, because those who wa nted to avoid having to salute would use it as a detour.