Hofgarten, Munich

The Hofgarten in Munich is a Renaissance garden right behind Odeonsplatz and one of the most pleasant green spaces in the old town. Laid out in the early 17th century, it is centered on the Diana Temple and framed by arcades and neat flower beds. Admission is free, which makes it an easy stop between the Residenz, the Theatinerkirche and the shopping streets.

Why it is worth visiting

Duke Maximilian I created the garden from 1613 as part of the expansion of the Munich Residenz, and by 1617 it had reached its present size. The Hofgarten was destroyed in World War II; the restored design mixes landscape-garden and Renaissance elements. In 1937 the Nazis staged the "Degenerate Art" exhibition in its northern arcades, and a memorial from 1996 commemorates the resistance to National Socialism.

The octagonal Diana Temple at the center has eight arches, with paths radiating from it. A copy of the bronze figure Tellus Bavarica stands on the roof, and the original is kept in the Residenz. The gate to Odeonsplatz, built in 1816 by Leo von Klenze, faces the Theatinerkirche, and the arcades show murals on Wittelsbach history. Musicians sometimes play in the temple, and boules players gather on the gravel paths. The garden works best as a short, relaxed stop rather than a full-day sight: walk the main axis from the gate to the temple, look at the arcade murals, and rest on one of the many benches before moving on to the Residenz or the Theatinerkirche. The view from the gate along the central path toward the temple is the classic photo angle, and the garden is especially lovely when the flower beds bloom in spring and summer.

Opening hours and admission (as of October 2026)

According to the Bavarian Palace Administration, the garden is open all year round and admission is free. No fixed opening times are given. The fountain works are open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May to early October, also free. Plan 20 to 40 minutes.

How to get there

The address is Hofgartenstraße 1, 80539 Munich. Take the subway to Odeonsplatz and walk through the gate; Munich's Hauptbahnhof is a short subway ride away, and the Deutschlandticket covers local transit. Parking in the old town is limited.

Nearby

The Residenz and its Herkulessaal, the Bavarian State Chancellery and the Theatinerkirche are all next to the garden. The German Theater Museum is in the gallery building on the north side.