Lost Places: Odeon – Instead of Dancing now Paragraphs

The Odeonsplatz in Munich is one of the most important squares in the city. It is home to the Feldherrnhalle, the Theaterkirche, and the Residenz palace. Odeonsplatz owes its name to a place that no longer exists.

The History

While still Crown Prince, the Bavarian King Ludwig I commissioned his favorite architect, Leo von Klenze, to design the entire Ludwigstrasse, which includes Odeonsplatz. He wanted a spacious square that would allow quick access from the Residenz to the Theatinerkirche. From his many trips to Italy, he brought back the suggestion of building a Bavarian version of the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence on this square. This became the Feldherrnhalle.

To further enhance the square, Ludwig I commissioned the construction of several more neoclassical leasehold buildings. One magnificent building was intended for entertainment and was named the Odeon. The Odeon was the largest concert hall in the city of Munich, hosting not only concerts but also dance events. The Odeon quickly became known far beyond Munich’s borders as a top-notch concert hall. Many famous artists performed there.

The Odeon was so popular that the square quickly became known colloquially as Odeonsplatz. Its real names, such as Fürstenplatz and Reitschulplatz, were never mentioned. In 1827, the square officially became Odeonsplatz.

The Odeon was completely destroyed in World War II. After the war, the Odeon’s neoclassical exterior was rebuilt. Today, no concerts or dances are held in the building. The former Odeon now houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior, which is responsible for internal security and order

One small consolation: Odeonsplatz hosts many events today, including concerts and dance performances.