The excursive growth of the population in Munich in the 19th century bringing about the need for an enlargement of the city council necessitated the construction of a new city hall. The construction retarded from 1867 to 1909.
The monumental construction of architecture with six courtyards is the first example of a historized new Gothic architecture on the model of Flemish archetype. The ornate front is graced with a multitude of statues like Bavarian kings, electors, earls but also saints, mythic and allegoric figures and gargoyles. The spire is crowned by a bronze coloured Münchner Kindl a small monk reminding of the formative years of Munich.
The Glockenspiel in the tower is the fourth largest in Europe. Coloured copper-figures dance here towards the sound of 43 bells. It takes place three times a day, at 11 am, 12 am and 5 pm ( from November to February the 5 pm appointment does not apply).
