Justizpalast, Munich

The Justizpalast serves as the historic courthouse in Munich, showcasing a remarkable blend of Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles, emblematic of late 19th-century German architecture.

Architected by Friedrich von Thiersch and constructed from 1890 to 1897, the building's creation coincided with a period of economic prosperity in Germany and Austria. Notably, it features an expansive glass dome covering an area of 67 meters, symbolizing the prosperity of that era. However, it became evident that the facility could no longer accommodate the demands of the legal system, leading to the design and construction of the nearby Neue Justizpalast by Thiersch between 1906 and 1908. Unfortunately, the Gothic-style structure suffered damage during World War II, resulting in the loss of its original interior decorations.

Today, the Neue Justizpalast houses the Bavarian Constitutional Court and the Higher Regional Court. A particularly significant area within the building is Room 253, where the People's Court, presided over by the infamous pro-Nazi Judge Roland Freisler, conducted a mock trial that led to the condemnation and execution of members of the non-violent anti-Nazi group, 'The White Rose.' On February 22, 1943, at noon, the verdict was pronounced against Hans Scholl, his sister Sophie Scholl, and Christoph Probst, who were then beheaded just four hours later. Room 253 now hosts a permanent exhibit about the trial and serves as a memorial to the courageous students who lost their lives opposing the oppressive regime while upholding their principles.