Maximilianeum, Munich

Crowning the eastern end of Maximilianstrasse is the grandiose Maximilianeum building. It sits in some of the best woods and parkland in Munich, on the banks of the river Isar, and is one of Munich's finest and most memorable buildings. Built in the 19th century it was originally constructed as a cultural establishment, and had a number of paintings especially commissioned for it. Now it plays host to the Bavarian State Parliament, who must revel in the reflected power of its size and position.

Maximilianstrasse is renowned for it’s architectural splendour (known as Maximilianic style), designer boutiques, and a number of prominent museums such as the Museum of Ethnology. This opulent street - the equivalent of New York's Fifth Avenue is crammed with high-class stores such as Armani, Hermès, and Bulgari. With it’s chic hotels and restaurants, in particular the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, this rather Gothic street is a definite place to see and be seen. Known as Munich's Golden Mile, Maximilianstrasse is a shopper’s heaven – as long as your credit cards can handle it.

It was the wish of Maximilian II, King of Bavaria from 1848 to 1874, that his name be given to a street. And have you ever seen anyone disobey a king, especially in such a small matter? And when the king starts work on such a plan himself? Mmmmmý Not really likely, I would say :)))

So, with his goal firmly in his mind, Maximilian II developed a ýMunicipal Enhancement Planý already during the early Thirties of the 19th century, which foresaw a spectacular edifice, surrounded by a park, on the elevated bank of the River Isar. Not bad as a memorial! The invitation for tenders turned into one of the hottest contests between architects the 19th century had ever seen - it was clear that no expense would have been spared. Moreover, the actual building process was intended as a learning-exercise.

The Maximilianeum was constructed between 1857 and 1874. Since 1949 it has been the seat of the Bavarian Parliament. A kings memorial serving a republican institution, or an irony of fate :)))

Bayerische Landtag at the foot of Maximillainbrucke overlooking the River Isar. This part of town is very plush. Maximilianstrasse is home to the likes of Versace, Dior, Yves St Laurent and other totally unaffordable designers, 4 star hotels, exclusive apartments, etc

Built in the mid-19th century for fundless gifted students, this spectacular building at the end of the Maximilians-brige is now seat of the Bavarian parliament.

On the eastern bank of the Isar River is the Maximilianeum (1874-1877), home of the Bavarian parliament