New Munich

With his decision to dismantle the old city walls in 1791, Elector Karl Theodor set the stage for a “New Munich”. This idea was prompted by changes in the political landscape, with the Kingdom of Bavaria being proclaimed in 1806 and Munich designated as its capital. During the reigns of Maximilian I Joseph, Ludwig I und Maximilian II, Munich flourished – evolving into a prestigious seat of royalty that also boasted its own university. Frequently ascribed to the city, the epithet "Athens on the Isar River" has become synonymous with an array of artists and scholars who made the city famous. These, however, were members of the royal court rather than citizens of Munich. This distinction may seem insignificant to us today but – back then – it represented an almost insurmountable divide.

Themes explored in Königssaal
The king’s effigies – The Canaletto view – The invention of the Old Town (Adamsaal) – The Biedermeier style and “Biedermeierism” – Edlinger north face – Munich heads – Athens on the Isar river– City of typhoid – Disasters: The tower wardens and the “elephant disaster” – Lola Montez – Munich beauties – Theresienwiese meadow – Foundry – Glass and steel – Nymphenburg porcelain – Victuals – The Isar River