Odeonsplatz, Munich

The Odeonsplatz is a significant square in Munich's heart, created in the early 19th century by architect Leo von Klenze. It marks the end of Ludwigstraße, a grand street designed concurrently. The square gets its name from a concert hall called the Odeon situated on its northwest side. Over time, the term "Odeonsplatz" has also come to describe the open area in front of the Residenz palace, bounded by the Theatine Church and the Feldherrnhalle, a monumental loggia to the south.

Situated to the north of Munich's historic center, Odeonsplatz borders two districts: Altstadt-Lehel to the east and Maxvorstadt to the west. Along the west side, set back from Ludwigstraße, stand the Odeon building and the Palais Leuchtenberg, both inspired by Rome's Palazzo Farnese. To the east is Klenze's commercial arcade with Café Tambosi included. A street runs between the western buildings toward the Palais Ludwig Ferdinand, leading also to Wittelsbacherplatz, another square Klenze designed.

The Feldherrnhalle at the square's edge is modeled on Florence's Loggia dei Lanzi. Odeonsplatz is accessible by its U-Bahn station and a bus line that connects to various museums. In 1972, it became part of Munich's pedestrian-only zone.

Historically, Odeonsplatz has been central to various public ceremonies, from funeral marches to victory parades, moving along Ludwigstraße to the Feldherrnhalle, with a special viewing stand by Ludwig I's statue. The path from Odeonsplatz to the annual Oktoberfest parade has remained unchanged for years.