Munich’s Marienplatz is a vibrant hub, and at the heart of it all stands the iconic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). As the clock approaches showtime, all eyes turn upwards to the tower, anticipating the enchanting performance of the Glockenspiel. Shortly after 11 AM, the оживление begins as the Bavarian knight dramatically unseats his Lorraine rival, followed by the lively dance of the Schäffler, accompanied by cheers and applause from the captivated audience below.
This spectacle has held its charm for over a century. Since the 1972 Summer Olympics, the figures have graced the stage at 12 PM as well, and from March to October, even at 5 PM. But how does this intricate performance come to life? Join us as we delve behind the scenes of the Glockenspiel, offering you exclusive insights and everything you need to know about experiencing this Munich highlight, including, crucially, What Time Is It In Munich to ensure you don’t miss the show.
Glockenspiel Performance Times at Marienplatz:
The Glockenspiel animates Marienplatz daily at 11 AM and 12 PM. From March to October, there’s an additional performance at 5 PM. Every evening at 9 PM, a more tranquil scene unfolds as the night watchman and angel bid goodnight to the Münchner Kindl, accompanied by a lullaby.
#1 The Standard Bearer: A Glimpse Inside
This seemingly reserved figure is a standard bearer from Duke Wilhelm V’s retinue, easily identified by the Bavarian lion and white-blue diamonds on his flag. Standing at 1.40 meters, this copper figure reaches only chest-height to the photographer, Frank, who captured this unique perspective from within. To get this shot, Frank had to crawl inside the mechanism, showcasing the intricate world hidden behind the Glockenspiel’s facade. Through these openings, the figures emerge onto the Marienplatz stage, where Duke Wilhelm V and his wife, Renata of Lorraine, await the procession and the knightly tournament.
#2 The Fanfare Players: Announcing the Spectacle
The tournament depicted by the Glockenspiel commemorates the lavish two-week wedding celebration of Wilhelm and Renata in the spring of 1568, which indeed took place on Marienplatz. Legend says snow fell as the couple exited the Frauenkirche after their wedding. These Glockenspiel figures, much like the herald announcing the event, brave all weather conditions, performing 364 days a year. The Glockenspiel only takes a break on Good Friday. Punctuality is key, and the Glockenspiel team ensures seamless performances. Even a slight delay would quickly draw the attention of eager tourists. A lesser-known part of the Glockenspiel performance is the 9 PM show, a truly special experience where night watchmen and guardian angels gently put the Münchner Kindl to bed, accompanied by Brahms’ lullaby.
#3 The Page: Elegance in Motion
During our visit behind the scenes, the entire court of figures presented a striking appearance, including this page adorned with a feathered hat and red tunic. Recently, all figures underwent refurbishment and received fresh paint, including the Schäffler figures located just below. Unfortunately, capturing the Schäffler figures up close would have required rappelling down the tower, which was beyond our planned access. However, the Schäffler hold a significant place in Munich’s history. This barrel-makers’ guild bravely ventured out to dance in the streets after a severe plague in 1517, aiming to uplift the spirits of the city’s inhabitants. The Schäffler dance is still performed every seven years by real dancers throughout Munich, with the next performance scheduled for 2026.
#4 The Lorraine Knight: Destined to Fall
Donning gleaming new armor, the Lorraine Knight in the background is perpetually destined to be defeated. This imposing 2.10-meter tall figure, with his red and white helmet plume, plays the role of the eternal loser. In the tournament’s second act, he is unhorsed and manually reset by a member of the ten-person Glockenspiel team after the performance concludes. This dedicated team ensures the Glockenspiel operates flawlessly year-round. It’s not just the knight that requires resetting; the entire electro-mechanical system, remarkably similar to its original design from over a century ago when Munich’s population was just under 500,000, demands constant attention. Powered today by solar energy, this historical mechanism requires meticulous care: parts need grinding and lubrication, contacts polishing, screws tightening, and regular replacement of small wheels, gears, and stops.
#5 The Bavarian Knight: The Victorious Hero
“The best thing that can happen is a breakdown,” explains a long-serving Glockenspiel team member, emphasizing the value of learning through malfunctions in maintaining Munich’s top attraction. This “error-friendly” approach within the New Town Hall tower fosters a deep understanding of the Glockenspiel’s workings. Each error becomes a valuable learning experience for the team, as mastering the Glockenspiel takes years. Beginners must learn to control the sequences with second-by-second precision. For the Bavarian knight and all other figures to appear on cue, a precisely timed sequence is essential. The process starts with an employee pressing a start button, followed by manual switching of songs and then, according to a detailed choreography, introducing individual figures and groups of figures into the performance.
#6 The Control Center: A Historic Console
The control center, located on the tower’s fifth floor, occupies a surprisingly small space. Resembling an antique display cabinet, it houses the shift levers that operate the Glockenspiel. From left to right in the image, levers control the knight tournament, daytime music, and the Münchner Kindl’s bedtime lullaby. The rooster crow, which concludes the performance, and the ‘Hanswurst’ figure from the Schäffler dance are also activated manually. Each performance’s end is met with the applause of the Marienplatz crowd, a reward akin to a pilot’s perfect landing.
#7 The Music Cylinders: Programming the Melodies
On the 8th floor, at approximately the same height as the tower’s viewing platform but inaccessible to the public, the music originates. Here, conditions are set for the bells on the top floor to provide the musical accompaniment. When the corresponding switch is activated from the control center below, a purple cylinder, partially covered with small metal pins, begins to rotate. The arrangement of these pins programs the polyphonic melodies, much like a miniature barrel organ. Each pin triggers a bell strike via a switch relay.
#8 The Cylinder Cupboard: A Repertoire of Tunes
The cylinder cupboard, with its doors ajar, reveals five additional music cylinders. Cylinder number 3, currently in use, features four tunes: ‘Loreley’, ‘Preisend mit viel schönen Reden’, ‘Schäfflertanz Part 1’, and the ‘Wendelstein-Lied’, played during March and August. The Glockenspiel’s repertoire includes six cylinders with 22 different melodies, primarily folk songs from the early 20th century. Cylinder 6 is reserved for Advent music. Even after years of operation, the Glockenspiel team enjoys the melodies and often hums along. Attempts to modernize the music program, such as incorporating piano pieces, have been met with resistance. An earlier effort to commission composer Carl Orff to create a piece for the Glockenspiel’s 800th city anniversary in 1958 was also unsuccessful.
#9 The Machine Room: The Heart of the Bells
Ascending to the 10th floor, the machine room is a cold, drafty space directly beneath the belfry. The air here carries a distinct scent of a car repair shop. A Glockenspiel team member explains the intricate process that unfolds when impulses from the music cylinder arrive from the 8th floor. He manually manipulates one of the 44 meticulously maintained musical mechanisms (44 for 43 bells, with one spare). Through chains and gears, these mechanisms activate the bell-pulling devices, causing the clappers to strike the bells and create the Glockenspiel’s sound.
#10 The Belfry: Where the Bells Resonate
The Glockenspiel’s sound, while captivating, is not always perfectly harmonious. Exposed to the elements, the aging technology presents challenges. For Munich’s 850th anniversary in 2008, all bells were removed, cleaned, refurbished, and retuned thanks to generous public donations. Despite this, temperature fluctuations can cause warping metal or loosening screws, leading to occasional jarring notes. While a single malfunctioning bell might be within acceptable limits, multiple issues are unacceptable to the Glockenspiel team. If the sound is off, even lunch in the canteen loses its appeal. With dedication and patience, the team tackles and resolves these issues, ensuring the Glockenspiel delights Munich’s visitors 364 days a year, regardless of the weather.
Bonus: Tower Ascent & Town Hall Tour
Experiencing the Glockenspiel is essential, and ascending the New Town Hall tower offers an optional but highly recommended addition to your visit. High above the Marienplatz bustle and the Old Town rooftops, the tower provides panoramic views extending to the Frauenkirche’s onion domes, the Olympic Park’s tent roofs, and the Allianz Arena. To the south, the Isar River’s green floodplains and surrounding forests stretch towards the Alps on clear days.
Beyond the Glockenspiel and tower, an exclusive tour of the New Town Hall itself is highly worthwhile. Official city guides reveal the history and significance of this neo-Gothic masterpiece, covering topics from politics and football legends to architectural details and local traditions. Our author’s tour experience was overwhelmingly positive, further highlighting the richness of the New Town Hall.
Tour of the Rathaus
Explore the New Town Hall on Marienplatz with an official city guide and discover its history, from magistrates to magnificent celebrations. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions about the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz
At what times can you experience the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz?
The Glockenspiel performances occur daily at 11 AM and 12 PM, with an additional performance at 5 PM from March to October. Remember to check what time is it in Munich to align your visit with these show times!
How old is the Glockenspiel in Munich?
The Munich Glockenspiel first graced Marienplatz with its melodies in 1908.
Which scenes are depicted in the Glockenspiel?
The Glockenspiel showcases two significant scenes from Munich’s history: the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V in 1568 and the Schäffler dance, a tradition dating back over 500 years.
