Maximilianeum - München, Germany
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Seat of the Bavarian state parliament since 1949, the Maximilianeum is a listed building located on the eastern bank of the Isar in the visual axis of the Maximilianstraße via the Maximiliansbrücke (Maximilian Bridge) in Munich, Bayern, Germany.
Waymark Code: WMXCC3
Location: Bayern, Germany
Date Posted: 12/26/2017
Views: 9
Bavaria has the oldest German Parliament. Its representatives advise, decide and resolve in one of the most beautiful parliamentary buildings, the Maximilianeum.
In addition to being the seat of the Bavarian state parliament, the Maximilianeum has housed, since 1876, the Maximilianeum Foundation for gifted students from the Palatinate and Bavaria, who also own the building.
The principal was King Maximilian II of Bavaria, who started the project in 1857. The leading architect was Friedrich Bürklein. The building is situated on the bank of river Isar before the Maximilian Bridge and marks the eastern end of the Maximilianstrasse, one of Munich's royal avenues which is framed by neo-Gothic palaces influenced by the English Perpendicular style.
Due to statical problems the construction was only completed in 1874 and the facade of the Maximilianeum which was originally planned also in neo-Gothic style had to be altered in renaissance style under the influence of Gottfried Semper. The facade was decorated with arches, columns, mosaics and niches filled with busts.
The building was extended on its back for new parliament offices, several modern wings were added in 1958, 1964, 1992 and again in 2012.
The figures and artwork on the western facade can be seen from a considerable distance, and proclaim the purpose of the original building as an "institution of higher learning and teaching":
The mosaic on the central projection represents the endowment of Ettal Monastery by Emperor Ludwig IV, demonstrating the piety and charity of the ruling Bavarian dynasty. This scene is flanked by the inauguration of the University of Ingolstadt and the triumph of the poet Wolfram von Eschenbach at the contest of the Minnesingers at the Wartburg as a symbol for science and art.
The mosaic on the northern projection depicts the signing of the Treaty of Pavia as an example of the Wittelsbach king's statesmanship. The counterpart on the southern projection represents the liberation of Vienna from the Turks as an outstanding demonstration of the art of war.
The 22 busts above the lower row of arcades are portraits of "benefactors, inventors, sages, men of letters, statesmen and military commanders" who left their mark on Bavaria.
The interior is decorated with beautiful nineteenth-century works of art, including about thirty pieces that were commissioned by Maximilian II.
Our pictures were taken from the Maximiliansbrücke (Maximilian Bridge).
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