Maximilianstrasse, Munich

Maximilianstraße, situated in Munich, is one of the city's four prominent avenues, which also include Brienner Straße, Ludwigstraße, and Prinzregentenstraße. It commences at Max-Joseph-Platz, where you'll find the Residenz and the National Theatre, and stretches from east to west.

This street was conceived and initiated in 1850 under the patronage of King Maximilian II of Bavaria, after whom it was named. A statue of King Maximilian II, known as the Maxmonument, sculpted by Kaspar von Zumbusch in 1875, is located in the eastern part of the avenue. Another noteworthy feature associated with Maximilianstraße is the Maximiliansbridge, adorned with the statue of Pallas Athene, constructed between 1857 and 1863 as an extension of Maximilianstraße leading to the Maximilianeum.

King Maximilian II aimed to create a novel architectural style that would blend elements from historical architectural models with contemporary construction techniques through this project. The avenue is flanked by predominantly Neo-Gothic buildings that draw inspiration from the English Perpendicular style.

In alignment with this concept, the north facade of the Old Mint Yard, facing the National Theatre, was redesigned to incorporate Neo-Gothic elements. Notable landmarks along the street encompass the Schauspielhaus (1901), the Upper Bavaria district administration building (1856–1864), the Museum Fünf Kontinente (Museum of Ethnology, 1858–1865), and the Wilhelmsgymnasium (1875–1877).

The western segment of Maximilianstraße is dedicated to upscale shopping and lavish living, featuring an abundance of art galleries, designer boutiques, luxury stores, jewelry shops, and the renowned five-star Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Kempinski), constructed by Rudolf Gottgetreu between 1856 and 1858. Prominent brands like Gucci, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Versace, and others have replaced traditional shops, art galleries, and restaurants on Maximilianstraße, now commanding the highest retail rents in Germany.