Rathaus-Glockenspiel — Attraction in Munich

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel in Munich’s Marienplatz is more than just a charming tourist attraction—it’s a captivating window into the city’s rich history and culture. As someone who enjoys uncovering the stories behind historical landmarks, I found the Glockenspiel to be a unique and memorable experience.

Located in the heart of Munich, the New Town Hall’s facade is impressive in its own right, with its neo-Gothic architecture standing as a testament to the city’s grandeur. But the real magic happens when the Glockenspiel comes to life. As the bells chime, an intricate display of figures begins to move, reenacting scenes from Munich’s past. The show features two stories: the top level portrays the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine, complete with a jousting tournament, while the lower level depicts the Schäfflertanz, a dance symbolizing the end of the plague in 1517. (Learned all this in a guided tour, which I highly recommend too!)

What struck me most was the attention to detail in the figures and the storytelling. The movement of the figures is slow and deliberate, allowing onlookers to appreciate the craftsmanship and the narrative being told. Even amidst the crowds that gather to watch, there’s a sense of shared awe and appreciation for this piece of living history. Probably 500-700 watching on Aug 13.

The Glockenspiel’s performance, which occurs daily at (I think 12:00 and 17:00) is a brief but enchanting moment that captures the essence of Munich’s identity. It’s a reminder of the city’s ability to honor its past while continuing to thrive as a vibrant, modern metropolis.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply a traveler seeking to experience the heart of Munich, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel is a must-see. It’s a beautiful, albeit brief, reminder of the traditions and stories that have shaped this...

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel of Munich is a tourist attraction in Marienplatz, the heart of Munich.[1]

Part of the second construction phase of the New Town Hall, it dates from 1908. Every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. ( as well as 5 p.m. in the summer)[2] it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century to the amusement of mass crowds of tourists and locals. It consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures. The top half of the Glockenspiel tells the story of the marriage of the local Duke Wilhelm V (who also founded the world famous Hofbräuhaus) to Renata of Lorraine. In honour of the happy couple there is a joust with life-sized knights on horseback representing Bavaria (in white and blue) and Lothringen (in red and white). The Bavarianknight wins every time, of course.[3]

This is then followed by the bottom half and second story: Schäfflertanz (the coopers' dance). According to myth, 1517 was a year of plague in Munich. The coopers are said to have danced through the streets to "bring fresh vitality to fearful dispositions." The coopers remained loyal to the duke, and their dance came to symbolize perseverance and loyalty to authority through difficult times. By tradition, the dance is performed in Munich every seven years. This was described in 1700 as "an age-old custom", but the current dance was defined only in 1871. The dance can be seen during Fasching (German Carnival): the next one is in 2019.[3]

The whole show lasts somewhere between 12 and 15 minutes long depending on which tune it plays that day. At the very end of the show, a very small golden rooster at the top of the Glockenspiel chirps quietly three times, marking the end of...

A Charming Encounter with the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, Munich

Visiting the Rathaus-Glockenspiel at Marienplatz was one of the highlights of my time in Munich. Nestled in the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), the Glockenspiel is a delightful blend of history, art, and whimsical charm.

I made sure to arrive just before the hour to catch the mechanical show, and it was absolutely worth it. As the bells chimed, a series of life-sized figurines came to life, reenacting scenes from Munich’s past – from a royal wedding and jousting tournament to the Schäfflertanz (Coopers’ Dance), a symbol of hope and perseverance during times of plague.

The whole performance lasted about 12–15 minutes and was accompanied by traditional music. It felt like stepping back in time, watching a storybook unfold against the backdrop of one of Munich’s most beautiful buildings. The level of detail in the figurines and the craftsmanship of the entire setup is genuinely impressive.

The square below was filled with visitors, all quietly watching with fascination – it created a lovely communal moment of shared wonder.

If you’re in Munich, catching the Glockenspiel show is a must. It’s a simple pleasure, rich with history and charm, and a beautiful reminder of the city’s vibrant cultural heritage. Just be sure to check the timing so you don’t miss it – shows usually happen at 11 AM and 12 PM daily, with an additional 5 PM...