Munich - Bavarian State Parliament

(Local Name: Maximilianeum) The Maximilianeum, seat since 1949 of the Bavarian Landtag (State Parliament) and Senate, closes the vista at the east end of the Maximilianstrasse. This conspicuous Munich landmark on the east bank of the Isar was built by Friedrich Bürklein between 1857 and 1874. The long main front was originally designed in Gothic style with pointed arches, but at the request of Maximilian II, the architect substituted round-headed arches in Renaissance style, since Gothic arches were felt to be unsuitable for a long series of windows. The broad central block, decorated with semicircular mosaics on a gold ground and topped by a figure of an angel, is flanked on both sides by open arcades. The building was completely renovated in 1985-86. The Maximilianeum was initially conceived as a picture gallery and a training institute for civil servants. The Maximilianeum Foundation (Stiftung Maximilianeum) still awards scholarships providing free board and lodging for gifted students (in the rear portion of the building).

In 1949 the front portion of the Neo-Renaissance complex with its terracotta-faced facade became the seat of the Bavarian Landtag and Senate.