Justizpalast Munich – Palace of Justice
Justizpalast Munich – Palace of Justice
Everything you need to know about visiting the amazing Justizpalast – one of Munich best photo spots
When tourists visit my hometown, they always flock to the amazing castles in and near Munich. Very few travelers will look beyond what Bavaria’s kings and dukes deemed to be a passable home. A mistake? Then take a look! Right in the heart of the city, you can also visit the amazing Justizpalast – a palace build for the highest court of the state. Here’s what you should know:
It took me almost ten years of living in Munich until I finally visited the Justizpalast. Every time I walked past the Stachus square I certainly saw it. But I also knew it was our state court and for some reason, I thought you cannot visit. Well, you can and you should. It’s utterly beautiful inside and I actually ranked it among the top photo locations in Munich!
The Palace of Justice is a neo-baroque complex built between 1891-1897 by architect Friedrich von Thiersch. It has two big courtyards but the central staircase with its mightly lantern is certainly the highlight of the ensemble.
Take your time exploring this central hall. While you are allowed to wander around the palace freely, there is not much of interest in the side aisles. The staircase in front of the building is kind of nice as well. But do remember, this is a court so act accordingly. The Bavarian Department of Justice has its seat on the top floor as well.
Note: In the courtroom no. 253 you will find a permanent exhibition for the Weiße Rose. This was a very famous resistant group during the Nazi times and their trials were held in this room. There’s another exhibition in the Ludwig Maximilian University where they started distributing their leaflets.
There is no entrance fee, but there is a tight security check at the entrance. So, perhaps don’t bring the biggest backpack.
If you walk through the adjacent botanical garden, you can get a good view of the whole palace. It’s a bit more difficult to shoot the front, as the overhead contact lines of the tram obstruct the view and it is a lively crossing (so watch your steps and be careful).
Palace of Justice opening hours
8:00 am until 3:00 pm (closed on weekends; Fridays only until 2 pm)
How to get to the Justizpalast
Simply take any suburban train to Karlsplatz / Stachus (or subway line U2/U4 ). You’ll see the palace right from the exit of the station.
You’ll find the entrance on the Prielmayerstraße. That’s the street passing the palace on the left side (seen from the fountain on the Karlsplatz square).