The Schwabing Gate of the second city fortification was located here until 1817 before it was pulled down together with the wall when the city was extended. The Odenonsplatz is the transition zone between the old city and the newly laid out Maxvorstadt. The square was designed by Leo von Klenze in a neoclassical style. King Ludwig I. commissioned him in 1825 to build at the western side a concert hall and a ball-room, the Odeon, giving the name to the square. The concert hall known for its great acoustics was so heavily damaged in the Second World War that only the coloums in the inner courtyard and the facade could be preserved. The building now houses the Ministry of Interior.
The same facade shows the adjacent Leuchtenberg-Palais originally built for Napoleon's stepson who married the daughter of King Max I. Joseph. The Palais now houses the Bavarian Ministry of Finance. In front of the two buildings is the equestrian monument to King Ludwig I. Allegories at the base of the monument symbolize the main interests of the king: religion, art, poetry and industry.
On the city side of the square you find the Feldherrnhalle designed by Friedrich von Gärtner in 1841 - 44. Don't miss visiting the beautiful Theatinerkirche, the first Italian Baroque church in Bavaria, on the right hand side of the Feldhernhalle. On the left hand side you find the entrance to the Court Garden of the Residence with an Italian Renaissance garden and the traditional Café Tambosi where already King Ludwig I. had a cup of coffee.
U-Bahn: U3 - U6 to Odeonsplatz