The Max-Joseph-Platz was laid out when Bavaria became kingdom in 1806. The square is named after the first king of Bavaria, King Max I. Joseph, whose noble monument can be seen in the middle of the square. Originally he wanted to have an equestrian monument. But as Max I. died suddenly in 1825 the first draft of Klenze was taken showing the king in a seated and blessing position. The monument was cast by Johann Baptist Stiglmaier. Four lions stand on the bronze base. The moulding depicts key events in the reign of the king: development of agriculture, encouragement of art, introduction of a constitution and reconciliation between the confessions.
At first the National Theatre was built at the eastern side in a classicist style. The northern end of the square forms the King's tract of the Residence. King Ludwig I. commissioned his court architect Leo von Klenze in 1826 to build the King's tract which is modelled on the Pitti and Rucellai palaces in Florence. Here you can also find the entrance to the Residence Museum and the Treasury. Just opposite of the King's tract Klenze modified the Main Post Office with Florentine arcades in order to offer the king a nice view from his office on the first floor.
U-Bahn: U3, U6 to Marienplatz
U4, U5 to Odeonsplatz
Tram No. 19 to Max-Joseph-Platz