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Montgelas (1759–1838) is the acknowledged creator of the modern Bavarian state.

This building in Haidhausen by Friedrich Bürklein (1857–74), on the high banks of the Isar, marks the end of Maximilianstraße. The seat of the Bavarian parliament since 1949, Maximilian II built this massive structure as a school for gifted students from poor backgrounds. The school is now housed in the rear building.

Maximilian II built this monumental boulevard between 1852 and 1855. The stretch between Max-Joseph-Platz and Alstadtring (see Shopping) is one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. In the arcades, luxury boutiques such as Armani, Jill Sander, and Chanel offer their exquisite wares; the Hotel Vierjahreszeiten and the Kammerspiele are also found here, as is the new Maximilianhöfe complex. At its far end, the boulevard is flanked with ornate public buildings.

This picturesque town, which lies on a peninsula in the Inn River, was an important trading post during the Middle Ages. The old town is defined by the 500-m- (1,650-ft-) long market square flanked by houses typical of towns along this river – those with romantic arcades and stepped gables. City gates mark the ends of the square. The Nagelschmiedturm, with its Romanesque basement, is worth seeing.

Named after Karl Müller – a private citizen who financed the project – this Art Nouveau bathing temple was built from 1897 to 1901 and is based on a design by Carl Hocheder. It was the first public pool in the city and is still one of the most beautiful today. The pool was strictly divided into a men’s and a women’s area: the men’s pool has a barrel vault, the women’s a large cupola. It is worth going for a swim just to see the interior and the facilities – which include therapeutic baths and a Roman steam room. Afterwards, drop by Café Stör.

Near Königsplatz on Barerstraße are the three large Pinakotheken (see Museum District – Alte Pinakothek). Additional museums are planned for this district.

Not far from the Friedens-engel is the villa (1897–98) of painter Franz von Stuck, in itself a work of art. A miller’s son, Stuck quickly rose to fame and was instrumental in the creation of a Munich style of Art Nouveau – Jugendstil (see Schwabing & University District). The villa has served as a museum since 1968. On view are Stuck’s private rooms, a permanent Art Nouveau collection, and changing exhibitions in the studio wing.

Princely palaces once occupied the area between Residenz and Theatinerkirche. From 1800, old fortifications here were dismantled to make way for the Ludwigstraße, which ends or begins – depending upon your viewpoint – with Odeonsplatz and the Feldherrnhalle. Statues of the Bavarian field marshals Tilly and Wrede are displayed in the niches of the loggia.

Completed for the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, this vast park and complex to the north has become Munich’s main sports and amusement park complex.

Immediately adjacent to the museum island are two other small islands, Praterinsel and Kalkinsel. The Alpine Museum, run by the German Alpine Association, is located on Praterinsel. It documents the history of mountaineering and features special exhibitions throughout the year. A teaching garden displays the various types of rock found in the Alpine regions. Old factories on Praterinsel – in the former Riemerschmid distillery – have been converted into a cultural centre with artists’ studios. The ensemble is home to ongoing exhibitions and special events, such as the Comicfest. Tango fans gather in the courtyard on summer nights to enjoy this most sensual of dances.